Sex trafficking accounts for over half of all human trafficking around the world, and it's a problem right here in the USA. 76% of human trafficking convictions by the US Department of Justice in 2012 involved forced or underage prostitution. Pimps often prey on vulnerable youth and run-aways, first luring them in through deception, then keeping them out on the streets through threats of violence.
The sponsor for this giveaway, Theresa Hoey of UNBOUD Style, is doing something to help children and teens escape prostitution. At least 15% of everything sold at UNBOUND Style is donated to Children of the Night, a organization which works to help child and teen prostitutes . Some items from her shop earn even more for charity. Below is the first of a line of bracelets she's making with 100% of the profits going to support Children of the Night...
The Hearts Should Be Free Bracelet
The gold chain has a tiny heart, hand-molded, cured,
and sanded by Thereasa. These sell for $16 and 100% of
the profits go to help Children of the Night.
I am honored that Theresa choose to name her beautiful line of bracelets after this event, and am thrilled that these will be earning money for an organization that is filling such a desperate need. Before I move on to the giveaway, I wanted to share a video with you that explains a little bit more about Children of the Night and what they do.
Now, About the Giveaway...
Theresa Hoey has graciously donated the necklace above to be given away during Hearts Should Be Free (this is one of two necklaces she's donated for the event. The other will be given away in a separate giveaway later this week). You can connect with Theresa at her shop, on her facebook page, on twitter, and on instagram
To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter form below. You must be 18 to enter. Entries accepted through Jan 29. Winner will be chosen and announced here January 30. Full entry rules are listed at the link on the bottom of the Rafflecopter form.
NOTE TO THOSE OUTSIDE THE US
This giveaway is only open in the United States, Canada (except Quebec), The United Kingdom, and the following areas of Australia (QLD, NT, TAS, and VIC only). I would love to make my giveaways open in more places, but it's hard to find info on where giveaways are legal and what laws and special requirements every country has.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
NOTE: Children of the Night did not endorse this post and neither is this blog or this event affiliated with Children of the Night. This post is in collaboration with UNBOUND Style. After the event was done Theresa did send me a couple items from her shop, just out of the sweetness of her heart...however, I didn't know she was going to do this when I wrote this post or during the giveaway.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
NOTE: Children of the Night did not endorse this post and neither is this blog or this event affiliated with Children of the Night. This post is in collaboration with UNBOUND Style. After the event was done Theresa did send me a couple items from her shop, just out of the sweetness of her heart...however, I didn't know she was going to do this when I wrote this post or during the giveaway.
This young girl's experience is so, so sad and the worst thing about it is knowing that she isn't the only one who's gone through this and that child prostitution is continuing to happen every day. I definately agree with what's said at 4:38 minutes into the video; if women were put first and protected the way we ought to protect women, maybe things like this wouldn't occur so frequently. This is rape culture and I'm sorry for it. Children of the Night is great and it needs to continue to flourish, for the sake of our children.
ReplyDeleteIt's not just girls. In one study in New York of underage prostitutes found that over half the prostitutes who came to answer their questions were boys. But yeah, worldwide of all trafficking victims identified over 70% have been women and girls.
DeleteHer story is heartbreaking but also inspiring - it must take a lot of courage and strength to talk about what she went through. This organization is amazing - I hope one day there are safe places in every city and country, like the one shown in the video. Thanks for sharing..
ReplyDeleteSo sad, yet I find comfort in knowing there are places helping these girls out. I don't think we realize how much of this goes on.
ReplyDeleteIt breaks my heart. My husband used to work in a group home for wards of the state and some of the things these young girls suffered are unspeakable.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the stories of some of these girls break my heart. But it's encouraging too knowing that so many, like your husband, are working to help these young women.
DeleteThis story is heartbreaking. It's hard to believe that such atrocities are taking place in the US.
ReplyDeleteJust heartbreaking!!
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad to hear these stories of such young girls but glad to see the organization Children of the Night trying to bring a spotlight to this. Even here in Burlington, VT we had a massage parlor raided and they stated their were young children involved.
ReplyDeleteSigh. I took a lot of women's studies courses during my Psychology bachelors and we discussed so much about women, sex trafficking, etc. The other day, I was watching a video on how big online sex trafficking was becoming with the facilitation of webcams and anonymous messaging. It's SO scary to think that there are young girls as young at 10 being forced to do things that they don't want to. I really admire corporations and causes like Children of the Night. It's not just because they are doing a good thing but it also brings awareness to people around them that causes like this exist for a reason-- because sex trafficking is real and prevalent all over the world. This video was a great summary of Children of the Night's work and I hope they continue to do what they do! Thanks for the awesome post and giveaway. I'll share it with my blog/fans as well.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Dana
I first heard about this from Ebony magazine a while back. There was an article in a local free paper. They are working on creating laws in my state to deal with this.
ReplyDeleteIt makes you want to do more.
ReplyDeleteYes I was. I watch a number of true crime programs and they highlighted the issue.
ReplyDeleteWhat a story. Sometimes we forget what other people are facing as we worry about so many insignificant things in our own lives. I remember a speaker coming to our church talking about this very issue. Her organization passes out bars of soap to young women on the street that has their phone number imprinted in the soap so that they can call 24 hours a day for help. It struck such a chord with me
ReplyDeleteThis is very sad
ReplyDeleteOh wow, I think we sometimes get caught up in our own lives that we forget about what could be happening in others lives. We need to be aware of others and how we can help out.
ReplyDeleteIt's a tragic testimony but what an inspiration that she is using it for good. This is an important message and I hope it can be spread far and wide!
ReplyDeleteI love Unbound Style's jewelry! I have many of her pieces and they are beautiful! Great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a sad happening and I pray the laws will change today to protect these young souls.
ReplyDeleteWhat saddens me is when young women run away from home because they feel they have no other recourse than to do so, fleeing a situation where sex is an issue (incest, rape), and then fall in with someone who takes advantage of them.yet again. It must feel as though that is all there is in the world.
ReplyDeleteThankfully there are organizations like the one discussed here that act as a guiding light for these girls.
yes, unfortunately i think its a worldwide problem. theres a lot of sick people in the world.
ReplyDeleteits so sad, but it happens day in day out to so many girls who's lives are ruined by this cruel trade. thank goodness there is help out there for them.
ReplyDeletethis is such a sad story and makes me to hold my children close and never let them go
ReplyDeleteyes i have known that this is a problem all over the globe. it hurts my soul. the evils of man are indescribable and you just wonder how people began thinking of doing these horrors to other human beings. there are no words to describe the anxiety and horror i feel on a regular basis of these things happening to most notably young girls and boys that cannot break free or escape.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea it was a problem here in the US.
ReplyDeleteYes, I actually did know that. I've just recently been reading about it.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I did know that trafficking minors has been an issue in the US... and it's been that way for a while. I hate to even think about it because I have a teenage daughter who does not always make the best choices and it scares me to think she might be taken advantage of.
ReplyDeleteI never knew sex trafficking was a problem in the US! I can not believe there is such a problem here but I am glad there is some where for these girls to reach out to!
ReplyDeletethat breaks my heart. thank you for spreading the awareness of sex trafficking. many people do not realize what a problem it is in the united states.
ReplyDeleteSex trafficking is a problem everywhere, glad there is more awareness being brought to the subject.
ReplyDeleteThis is a sad, sad story. On that I hope we can break for others!
ReplyDeleteThank you for bringing light to this huge issue!!!
ReplyDeleteSo awful! Something you never think would happen in the US.
ReplyDeleteI guess I did but have never thought about it, thanks for bringing it to the forefront.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad she was able to get help. I know some kids don't get the chance to leave.
ReplyDelete