Selah Freedom - Human and Sex Trafficking

Human Trafficking Advocacy and Prevention

Club President David Shelor introduced Kassy Brewer, who works for Selah Freedom, to speak about human trafficking. Kassy shared her background, including her work as a trauma nurse, her experience donating a kidney to her brother and her advocacy efforts in the Senate. She described her current role in fighting human trafficking, focusing on building partnerships with various leaders and shaping policies to prevent it. Kassy also mentioned her involvement in several community organizations and commitment to supporting the community.

Combating Human Sex Trafficking

Kassy discussed the nationwide crisis of human and sex trafficking, highlighting Florida's ranking as the third highest in the nation, with Tampa being the top city in Florida for such incidents. She explained the definition of sex trafficking, its growth from $99 billion in 2019 to today a $173 billion industry, and the average age of victims entering the trade, which is 12 to 14 years old. Kassy also addressed the role of technology in trafficking, noting a significant increase in recruitment through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram since 2020, and emphasized the importance of awareness and action to combat this issue.

Sex Trafficking Vulnerabilities and Exploitation

Kassy discussed the vulnerabilities of sex trafficking victims, highlighting that many come from unstable backgrounds such as homelessness, foster care, or recent migration, often with substance abuse issues. She explained that traffickers exploit these vulnerabilities by offering false promises of love, security, and a better life, using manipulation, threats, and isolation to control their victims. Kassy also mentioned the concept of Stockholm syndrome, where victims develop empathy for their traffickers, and noted that 96% of their victims have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.

Understanding Sex Trafficking and Pornography

Kassy discussed the connection between pornography and sex trafficking, noting that pornography is a form of sex trafficking and that 50% of underage trafficking victims claim pornography was made of them. She highlighted signs of sex trafficking, such as lack of knowledge of whereabouts, lying about age, unexplained gifts, poor health, and physical abuse. Kassy also mentioned that tattoo artists have helped victims by covering or removing tattoos, and she advised using the universal hand sign for help if someone is in trouble. She concluded by instructing listeners to report suspicious activity to 911 and not to intervene personally if they feel threatened.

Selah Freedom's Anti-Trafficking Programs

Kassy discussed Selah Freedom's programs to combat human sex trafficking, highlighting an 87% success rate for their 2-year program and 100% of residential program survivors working on educational and career goals. The organization offers five programs: outreach, residential, awareness, prevention, and consulting, with prevention efforts including accredited training from kindergarten to 12th grade in Sarasota and St. Petersburg. Kassy also described their work with law enforcement and judicial systems, including a prostitution court diversion program started in Sarasota and expanding to Hillsborough, and their efforts to assist survivors with education and career advancement.

Human Trafficking Survivor Support Programs

Kassy described two main programs for human trafficking survivors: a 6-8 week assessment phase and a 2-year residential program. The assessment phase provides around-the-clock support and basic life skills, while the residential program focuses on daily routines, education, employment preparation, and family reconnection. In 2024, they served 428 survivors, including cases from Cuba and Turkey, and helped three women who were trafficked to Clearwater to return home legally. The organization also offers consulting services for others looking to start similar programs, with co-founder Lori Sweek and her team available to assist.

Survivor Support and Advocacy Initiatives

Kassy shared the story of Gabby, a survivor and volunteer advocate who stopped her trafficker and helped him get arrested, serving 28 years in prison. She explained that their organization supports survivors, including a survivor helpline and transportation services through "angel heroes" pilots while maintaining confidentiality due to high-profile cases. Kassy noted they seek accreditation with Florida's Department of Education and discussed their financial challenges at both state and federal levels, expressing interest in establishing a presence in Pinellas County.

Rotary Club Event Updates

Kassy announced an upcoming event at the Clearwater Yacht Club on June 14th, offering tickets for $75 for Rotary members.