Thai Officials Possible Involvement of Trafficking of Myanmar Refugees

Hi Everyone, 

I wanted to share a disturbing story my friend sent me regarding possible involvement of Thai officials in human trafficking. I hope that this post will raise awareness about the issue and encourage people to get involved in preventing human trafficking at the local, state, and international levels. Thank you in advance for reading this and have a nice weekend. Check out the story at : http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/05/us-thailand-rohingya-special-report-idUSBRE9B400320131205#!

Best,
Shelley

UNBOUND--Walk to End Human Trafficking

Hi Everyone,

I apologize for this late posting, but the time got away from me. Anyhow,I wanted to let everyone know that there will be a Walk to End Human Trafficking tomorrow, Oct. 5th in the Washington D.C. area. If anyone is in the area and available tomorrow morning, I encourage you to join the walk. It starts at 10am and will be held near President Lincoln's Cottage. Information can be found at:
http://unbounddc.org/what/information/.

I am planning on walking with Bridge to Freedom Foundation, so please send me a message at Shelleyfine@gmail.com if you have an interest in joining me. If you are not able to make it, but would still like to donate to my page, I would be much obliged. You can donate at: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/ShelleyFine/unbound.

Thanks for reading this entry and feel free to pass it along to anyone that might be interested.

Keep up the fight to END Human Trafficking!

-Shelley

Girl Models

Hi Everyone, I was recently informed about the issue of Girl Models, and I wanted to share it with the group. Although this issue does not technically meet the criteria for human trafficking, there is probably a very fine line that could be crossed. Check out this new documentary at: http://girlmodelthemovie.com/

Happy Holidays!

 Best, Shelley

Great Holiday Gifts from Survivors of Trafficking

Hi Everyone,

Check out this site at . They work primarily in six different countries with their efforts concentrated in India and Nepal. They sell amazing jewelry amongst other items. I encourage you to check them out and buy some gifts for the Holiday Season.

Thank you all for your support and efforts in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.

Happy Holidays!
Shelley

Help me Raise Money for DC Stop Modern Slavery Walk 2011

Dear Friends,

Please check out my link below and make a small donation to help me fight Human Trafficking. Every dollar counts!

Best,
Shelley

http://sms.kintera.org/shelleyfundraising2011

Ramifications of Shutting Down Brothels

Hi Friends,

I recently received a petition from a community group that I am connected to in Washington, DC. The petition below, www.change.org/petitions/tell-prominent-washington-dc-landlord-to-stop-leasing-to-illegal-brothels#?opt_new=t&opt_fb=f is posted on Change. org. When I received this e-mail, I immediately began thinking about what the ramifications that shutting down this brothel would have on the women in the brothel.

As a social work student, I first and foremost think about empowering the group that I am trying to assist. According to MY value system, I do not think not agree that women should remain in a situation where they have been trafficked. But.... this is MY value system. Therefore, I would want to know what THESE women want, and what they feel are the best solutions.

I would also consider the following points:

a. The women in the brothel may not want it shut down immediately because this would put them in a worse off position than before. If there are not the proper social services in place to help them, then they may end up in a trafficking cycle again (if this is indeed trafficking). This often happens.

b. Are their proper local social services available to support these women once they are taken out of the brothel? If not, then they may end up in another trafficking situation very easily.

c. Will the women be forced according to current trafficking laws to testify against their traffickers and do they want to do this?

d. What benefits will the women get if they are certified as trafficking victims and are these social benefits sufficient to really help these women attain true autonomy and independence?

In making these points, I am NOT saying that I do not agree with the petition that it is wrong for this businessman to be renting out his space to a known brothel, but these are points to consider.

Additionally, I would question if it is a proper approach for our group to target shutting down the brothel immediately OR if we should go about this a different way?

Human trafficking is a VERY complex issue with no easy answers, and therefore (in my opinion) we need to consider ALL sides of the matter.

Finally, I would simply remember the idea that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Therefore, we need to think hard about what that reaction would be before we take an action.

Thanks for listening everyone and I encourage you to post your comments on my blog. I just ask that everyone be respectful and open to hearing other sides.

Best,
Shelley

Trafficking Panel at Catholic University, Feb. 7th

Hi Everyone,

Please see information below on a trafficking panel being held at Catholic University on Monday, Feb. 7th. Feel free to forward to anyone who may be interested.

Best,
Shelley

On February 7^th from 4:15-5:45pm, Catholic University’s Social Justice Committee will be sponsoring a Trafficking Panel featuring representatives from Polaris Project, Change.org, and International Justice Mission. The panel will be located on the Catholic campus in Gowan 126 Contact SMS member Shelley Fine at shelleyfine@gmail.com for more information.