Amelia Howell: July 2020

Friday, 31 July 2020

Salt Lake City, Honolulu, San Diego, Orlando, Philadelphia, Cleveland, New York City These are photos and video clip...

Salt Lake City, Honolulu, San Diego, Orlando, Philadelphia, Cleveland, New York City These are photos and video clips from six of the 150 locations where people walked for children on Thursday July 30th, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons along with Operation Underground Railroad team members and volunteers. It is estimated over 18,000 were in attendance, (with almost 5,000 just in SLC!) based off the number of our registrations! THANK YOU for walking with us. Our voices MUST STAY LOUD after this week. We encourage you to take the enthusiasm you had in the streets and put it in writing. Go to riseupforchildren.com to write an email to your representatives. Let's plead to our local leaders to remember and protect these children. #EndChildSexTrafficking #EndOnlineExploitation #RiseUp #GetLoud #EndHumanTrafficking

Salt Lake City, Honolulu, San Diego, Orlando, Philadelphia, Cleveland, New York City These are photos and video clip... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDUim6SAC5h

In preparation for tomorrow, World Day Against Trafficking, we want to take a moment to remember those who have not yet ...

In preparation for tomorrow, World Day Against Trafficking, we want to take a moment to remember those who have not yet been rescued. Join us and SHINE YOUR LIGHT for survivors of child trafficking tonight. Light a candle and tag us @ourrescue.

In preparation for tomorrow, World Day Against Trafficking, we want to take a moment to remember those who have not yet ... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDPs3v5APCr

O.U.R. is excited to announce the rescue of our 4000th survivor! We will release more details about the operation as soo...

O.U.R. is excited to announce the rescue of our 4000th survivor! We will release more details about the operation as soon as it is safe to do so. Thank you for your constant support as we continue to search for and rescue more children from the horrors of trafficking.

O.U.R. is excited to announce the rescue of our 4000th survivor! We will release more details about the operation as soo... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDNILSIoo9T

RISE UP with us and @timballard89 on July 30th. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ Take action in your community. Visit riseupforchildren.com to help...

RISE UP with us and @timballard89 on July 30th. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ Take action in your community. Visit riseupforchildren.com to help you write a letter to local representatives.

RISE UP with us and @timballard89 on July 30th. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ Take action in your community. Visit riseupforchildren.com to help... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDKkyohgFqo

A few months ago, we shared the story of “Sabrina”, whose court testimony led to the arrest of two more men that abused ...

A few months ago, we shared the story of “Sabrina”, whose court testimony led to the arrest of two more men that abused her and the rescue of two more survivors, ages 10 and 12. We are excited to report that another survivor, 13 years old, has been rescued and placed in our partnering aftercare home thanks to Sabrina’s brave testimony. Read our original post below about this amazing young survivor, whom our Aftercare Team calls, “Little Wonder Woman”. ----------- When the identity of 7-year-old “Sabrina” was verified from an online child exploitation video, O.U.R. and law enforcement quickly made plans to arrest the traffickers and remove her from harm’s way. After a successful rescue, Sabrina was encircled with the love and care of our partnering aftercare home. ⁠ ⁠ The time soon came for those accused to face a trial. When the request came that Sabrina testify against her traffickers in court, O.U.R. Aftercare carefully considered the ramifications. Having a child recount their horrific abuses can cause additional trauma and every option to avoid such trauma should be considered. When presented with the prospect of telling her story in court Sabrina bravely asked to be able to face those who had hurt her. O.U.R.’s aftercare partners were with her every step of the way, helping her feel strong and safe while in the courtroom.⁠ ⁠ During her testimony, 7-year-old Sabrina courageously talked about two other men that had hurt her. These were Americans who lived in that country who were unknown to the police until then. Sabrina’s testimony also led police to two more girls, ages 10 and 12, who had also been violated by these two men. Sabrina is now joined by these two little girls in a loving home where all three are receiving the tender care and attention they deserve. Our team now calls Sabrina “Little Wonder Woman” for her courage that helped rescue more survivors and punish those who harmed them. She is truly a hero! Sabrina’s story is just one of many that inspire us to continue this work with dedication and resolve.⁠ ⁠ We are inspired by Little Wonder Woman’s courage. One small, but courageous, voice led to the liberation of more survivors.

A few months ago, we shared the story of “Sabrina”, whose court testimony led to the arrest of two more men that abused ... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDH8hiyAe45

All a predator needs to begin the process of grooming a victim online is having access to a child. Because it is not unc...

All a predator needs to begin the process of grooming a victim online is having access to a child. Because it is not uncommon for kids and teens in the U.S. and abroad to have internet access, there are thousands of vulnerable options for predators, especially when parents are unaware of the dangers.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ In Utah, 16-year-old “Elizabeth” was sitting at her computer when a predator in his 40s contacted her on social media, posing as a teenage boy. As they began chatting, the man convinced Elizabeth to send him a nude photo. This was all he needed to begin extorting her. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ He threatened Elizabeth that if she did not send him more photos, he would post this photo online. This is a common tactic that predators use to scare their victims into sending them more photos. The predator often posts it online no matter what. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ Feeling too scared to approach her parents, Elizabeth continued. The man paid her for her photos through PayPal and tried to convince her that she was being “employed”. ⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ One day, Elizabeth’s parents found her PayPal account. Elizabeth gathered the courage to tell them what was going on, and they were able to rescue Elizabeth from the horror she was facing online and contact authorities. The O.U.R. Aftercare Team helped Elizabeth and her family find trusted, local aftercare resources to help her heal.⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ We’ve seen victims as young as SIX YEARS OLD who were groomed to send nude photos. As soon as kids are picking up devices, they need to be armed with tools and knowledge (appropriate for their age) about avoiding dangerous situations online. Most of the time, a predator’s main goal in engaging with a child online is to exploit them in person or obtain inappropriate pictures or video of them. See our link in profile for 5 essential resources to keep your children safe online.

All a predator needs to begin the process of grooming a victim online is having access to a child. Because it is not unc... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDFZ9aJgcgS

When our aftercare partners in Central America received the call that there were two rescued boys who needed a place to ...

When our aftercare partners in Central America received the call that there were two rescued boys who needed a place to go, they were ready to help. These boys had been through some of the most horrific trafficking that you could ever imagine: they were trafficked inside of a prison. They were both sold to corrupt prison workers by family members. From a very young age, these boys were raped and exploited by convicted criminals. ⁠ ⁠ Upon receiving the news of this crime, the police and prison were completely distraught to find out what was happening and responded immediately to stop the corruption. The boys were both around thirteen years old when they were rescued and are now on the path to healing. ⁠ ⁠ The O.U.R. Aftercare Team believes in the importance of providing opportunities for positive, safe outings in the community. One day, they had the opportunity to take these boys on a walk so they could rollerblade and skateboard. ⁠ ⁠ One of the boys was so excited to try to teach O.U.R. Aftercare Director Jessica Mass how to skateboard. This is not one of her talents, but it was important to him, so she got on the skateboard in her wedge heels as he showed her where to put her feet. They laughed together as he tried to convince her that she wouldn’t break her leg.⁠ ⁠ If you met these two thirteen-year-olds, you would never know the type of abuse they have been through. They have every reason to be angry and bitter, but they are still full of JOY. No matter what, we always believe that there is hope for every child. See link in profile for full story.

When our aftercare partners in Central America received the call that there were two rescued boys who needed a place to ... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CDCuIo7nUct

was originally published here https://vimeo.com/groups/digitalsoldiers/videos/443093249

was originally published here https://vimeo.com/groups/digitalsoldiers/videos/442075866

was originally published here https://vimeo.com/groups/digitalsoldiers/videos/442073486

was originally published here https://vimeo.com/groups/digitalsoldiers/videos/442070704

was originally published here https://vimeo.com/groups/digitalsoldiers/videos/442065086