Hello Everyone,

Thank you again for joining us in staying aware of the fight against human trafficking. You will receive an e-mail update from the Justice & Peace Team once every other month. Each update will have two components:

1) Education - recent developments, news, legislation, etc.
2) Take Action - advocacy - what simple action you can take to influence change. Thanks again! And your input is always welcome!

Understanding Chronic Abuse: Why Don’t They Leave?

The issues of human trafficking and enslavement have recently gained national attention after a Long Island couple, the Sabhnanis, were found guilty of all charges in a 12-count federal indictment that included forced labor, conspiracy, involuntary servitude, and harboring aliens.[1] The abuse endured by the victims in this case was detailed graphically in several news accounts. What these women have in common with other victims of trafficking and enslavement is that the abuse was chronic and long lasting. Social scientists have developed a new term to better account for this type of suffering; “complex trauma.”[2] Complex trauma refers to a type of trauma that occurs repeatedly and cumulatively, usually over a period of time and within specific relationships and contexts. These forms of intimate/domestic abuse often occur over extended time periods during which the victim is entrapped and conditioned in a variety of ways.

Many adult “complex trauma” victims and survivors live in unsafe situations and relationships in which they are chronically revictimized and/or create risk and danger to themselves by remaining in the abusive situation or relationship. Some have no idea of what it means to be safe nor do they believe they can ever be safe.2 Understanding how trauma affects ones’ views of his or her own safety can lead to a better understanding of why victims do not leave these situations when given brief (or even extended) opportunities to escape. During the Sabhnani’s trial, defense attorneys attempted to use the fact that the victims did not flee the residence while the owners were away to disprove the accusations of aubse.1 A better understanding of complex trauma makes it apparent that this behavior was not only typical, but expected given the duration and severity of abuse endured by these victims.

What can you do to help?  In addition to joining us for a film screening and discussion of “Sex Slave” (details below), here are three easy ideas from the Polaris Project and Amnesty International:

• Click here to find a petition organized by Amnesty International, which targets the U.S. House and Senate Judiciary Committees. It is aimed at improving important protections for victims trafficked into the United States. Please print the 1-page document, get your friends and co-workers to sign on, and send it in! All the necessary info is included. http://justicepeaceteam.googlegroups.com/web/trafficking%20petition.pdf?gda=gpTFUUkAAADWnWzdTSXVsD0pyCyhcSgGRKj1Tn3CurtpMffe22oTvmG1qiJ7UbTIup-M2XPURDStM2QOilZvafv4AIGCGO4dCQF8YJxQM44WiWEP6d09Aw http://justicepeaceteam.googlegroups.com/web/trafficking%20petition.pdf?gda=gpTFUUkAAADWnWzdTSXVsD0pyCyhcSgGRKj1Tn3CurtpMffe22oTvmG1qiJ7UbTIup-M2XPURDStM2QOilZvafv4AIGCGO4dCQF8YJxQM44WiWEP6d09AwADWnWzdTSXVsD0pyCyhcSgGRKj1Tn3CurtpMffe22oTvmG1qiJ7UbTIup-M2XPURDStM2QOilZvafv4AIGCGO4dCQF8YJxQM44WiWEP6d09Aw http://justicepeaceteam.googlegroups.com/web/trafficking%20petition.pdf?gda=gpTFUUkAAADWnWzdTSXVsD0pyCyhcSgGRKj1Tn3CurtpMffe22oTvmG1qiJ7UbTIup-M2XPURDStM2QOilZvafv4AIGCGO4dCQF8YJxQM44WiWEP6d09Aw
•  
• Sign your name to the “Fight for Freedom” Declaration, and find out more about Anti-Slavery International's Campaigns Network here:  http://www.antislavery.org/2007/actionsign.php
•  
• Join one of the many “meet up” groups across the country that address trafficking, such as NYC STOP Human Trafficking.……“We are a New York City based group connecting the community to anti-trafficking nonprofits throughout the country, and providing capacity building and volunteer support to anti-trafficking outreach initiatives.” Find a group or more info here: http://trafficking.meetup.com/
•  
• Announement: Film Screening and Discussion:

            What:    "SEX SLAVES" (PBS Frontline)

            When:    WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2008 

                           6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

            Where:   The Sister Fund, 79 5th Avenue #4, New York NY 10003

            Discussion to follow with: Clare Nolan, NGO Representative for Sisters of the Good Shepherd

            **a lite supper will be provided**

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You will receive another update in March!  Please contact us with any questions.   

 Kind Regards,

 

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