Prevention Strategies: Empowering Girls and Communities

PREVENTION STRATEGIES: EMPOWERING GIRLS AND COMMUNITIES

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month – a time to shine light on a hidden tragedy affecting millions of people worldwide, including children and youth in our own communities. At Olive Crest, we are committed to preventing human sex trafficking through education, empowerment, and proactive interventions that provide safety and hope to high-risk youth.

The Scope of the Problem

Human sex trafficking remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations. In the United States, minors account for a significant portion of trafficking victims, with girls and young women disproportionately affected. Youth in crisis – those who are homeless, in the child welfare system, or survivors of abuse, are particularly at risk.

Prevention Through Empowerment

Preventing human sex trafficking begins with addressing the root causes of vulnerability. At Olive Crest, we’ve developed a holistic approach to empower girls and strengthen communities, creating a safety net that helps prevent exploitation before it happens.

  1. Building Strong Families
    A stable, loving family environment is one of the most powerful ways protective factors against trafficking. Olive Crest provides family preservation services, including counseling, parenting support, and resources, to help families overcome challenges and create safe homes.
  2. Educating Youth and Caregivers
    Knowledge is power. Through targeted workshops and educational programs, Olive Crest equips both youth and caregivers with tools to recognize the warning signs of trafficking. Topics include:
  • Identifying grooming behaviors
  • Internet safety and social media awareness
  • How to seek help when something feels wrong
  1. Providing Safe Housing
    For youth who have experienced or are at risk of trafficking, safe housing is critical. Our programs, including the Hope Refuge Campus, provide secure environments where survivors and youth in crisis can heal, rebuild, and thrive.
  2. Community Partnerships
    Addressing trafficking requires a collaborative effort. Olive Crest partners with local law enforcement, schools, healthcare providers, and faith communities to create a united front against this horrific issue. These strategic alliances help amplify our reach and ensure that youth receive comprehensive support.
Join the Fight 

Preventing human sex trafficking is a collective responsibility. This January, we encourage you to take action by:

  • Stand with Olive Crest as we work to protect and empower high-risk youth
  • Educating yourself and your community about the signs of trafficking
  • Volunteering your time or resources to make a difference

Together, we can create a future where every child grows up safe, loved, and free from trafficking.

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  1. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
  2. Polaris Project, The Fact About Human Trafficking
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