Today we have a large diversity of NGO work available to non-profit Churches. Many times movies portray an individual as feeling abundantly grateful to be rescued. Unfortunately, there is often so much complexity to a victim's reality it can be hard to see any impact.

Advocacy is about standing alongside an individual as they make small impacts in their lives. What may not feel like any movement at all can be small tiny victories from one day to the next. Maybe they went through the first day in a long time not getting hit or they ate food for the first time they had never been allowed to eat. We don't know exactly every small milestone we get to witness but this video will help guide you in your expectations so you can hold on longer to see the victories at the end of the road.

A predator will use one of the Applied Behaviors to their own advantage.

GROOMING:

ESCAPE: Often targeting kids who want to escape their environment

ACCESS: Offer access to a lifestyle or good they desire

ATTENTION: Seeking affirmation or attention from others

SENSORY: Affection they lack or crave

CONTROL: A false sense of control

COUNTER-CONTROL: A dominance of power control either from a lack of discipline or an extreme lack of opportunity to use their voice

In extraction keep in consideration:

Safe for them may not be SAFE to you. Returning home may not be ideal for the victim. The parents, spouse, or center you may refer them to could trigger other traumas. Be patient with an individual who doesn't take your NGO recommendation. DON'T GIVE UP. Look for alternatives. Don't default to "if you don't go here there's nowhere for you to go." Get creative until Fight or Flight passes. Sometimes that's all it takes.

LIST OF Helpful Extraction Tools:

Listen first and only respond to information shared.

Never make assumptions out loud but document any necessary details. (bruising, scars, shaking, broken nails, damaged teeth, etc)

Watch your response tone and sincerity.

Never assume they are lying.

Never use a label.

Have access to communication/tipline.

Observe anxiety around media access. (checking phone often, boyfriend or other who holds phone/denies access)

Don’t make the predator a “bad guy.” Grooming keeps a victim from knowing reality vs construed reality. They may have committed to leaving but they have not committed to not going back. Show them the difference so they know healthy and safe vs harmful environments.

ADVOCACY Tips:

NEVER MAKE DECISIONS IN TIMES OF GRIEF. Take an opportunity to give time in between interviews. Never allow a victim to sign anything when in immediate trauma.

PEOPLE LOOK FOR SOMEONE TO FOLLOW. Be cautious because people will take your advice. Make sure what you say is accurate.

NEVER ADVISE IN THE FIELD UNRELATED TO YOUR EXPERTISE. When you are not an expert learn into those who are. If you have an individual who needs to detox off drugs make sure you use a certified agency who can help them detox safely.

PATIENCE AND COMMITMENT. Recovery is a long term process and is often met with opposition, conflict and disinterest. Stay the course and know long term care shows drastic results if you don't give up.

GUIDING VS EXPECTATIONS. What you consider what you think a victim should be showing in terms of recovery is not always a success to you. Sometimes a trafficker/abuser has controlled such things as food access and privacy so even simple successes like being able to eat food without permission is a win for them. Take the small wins.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR RE-ENFORCEMENT. Sometimes individuals in recovery have never seen positive behavior so take into consideration applauding positive behavior as a teaching method. If you see a mom in a shelter who is cuddling her sick child simply say "You are such a sweet mama." If you see a dad throwing a ball with his child make comments like "Those are sweet memories you are making with your little one." These comments tell the brain "This is good behavior, do more of this."

 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.  But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,  he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,  whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,  so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.  This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

Titus 3:3-8