We have just received word that the Phoenix VICE Squad will not be subject to further budget cuts! This is a major victory for the cause to eradicate Child Sex Slavery in Phoenix.
We at BRANDED acknowledge that the power of YOUR collective voices influenced the leaders of our city into agreement. The political process resulted in true justice, as decisions were guided by the voice of the people.
Thank you for joining us in tangibly influencing this process! The issue of Child Rape for Profit continues to gain momentum in the public eye, as individuals like yourself spread the word of this heinous injustice. We have come to believe that AWARENESS = PREVENTION and this is a prime example of the idea coming to fruition.
Thank you again for your participation in the movement to eradicate child sex slavery in Phoenix. Let us keep the momentum going.
www.brandedphx.com
www.streetlightphx.org
As we continue our work towards ending child sex slavery in Phoenix, we sometimes come across simple indications that we are on the right track…that meddling in this evil world of injustice is worth the fight…that what we seek is Justice, and Justice acts as light in the darkness. A couple expamples:
- I rode with the Phoenix VICE Squad last week, learning how they conduct their operations, their methodology behind what they do, and hearing their heart on the issue of Child rape for profit. The VICE officer told me, “Dave, what you guys are doing is such an encouragement to us.” He went on to tell me the three things that have been most valuable to them. 1) That people are beginning to understand the issue, protect their sons and daughters, and move towards raising awareness. Too often the Police are misunderstood, and thought to be aiding criminals… the underage girls that we have come to regard as VICTIMS. 2) The officer shared with me his thoughts on the laws that exist in Arizona in regards to Child Prostitution. He stated “If we can address the defense clause for Johns, we really have the best laws our Squad can ask for when it comes to prosecution”. This will become our rallying cry over the next couple months when we tackle the “John Bill” again through Legislative Advocacy. 3) Looking at me sternly he asked “Are we really going to get this safe house?” The answer MUST be YES! These girls need a safe, secure and restorative community to holistically heal - www.StreetLightPHX.com
- The BRANDED/StreetLight Team attended the “Global Forum on Human Trafficking” hosted by Not For Sale Campaign. During this time we met with various organizations and ministries fighting to RE-Abolish slavery as it exists in its many forms throughout the world. It established a common assurance - We are not alone in our efforts, and therefore not alone in our struggles. Together we WILL end modern-day slavery!
- As if we need a reminder of our cause’s urgency, I offer you this quote… written in a letter from a “victim” to her mother…
“I am changed forever! In an unwanted manner. But be sure that I am no longer a victim,
I AM A SURVIVOR!”
This is responsibility we must ALL take on. To rescue victims and allow them the chance to be survivors. To prevent girls from being victimized. We’ve started down the path of establishing Justice in our city, and with these simple, yet profound, reminders, LET US CONTINUE THE CAUSE. Speak, Act, Think, and Give in a measure equal to the need.
Thank you for being a part of the movement to eradicate child sex slavery in Phoenix.
www.brandedphx.com
When it comes to combating Domestic sex slavery, any and every action has the potential to make a DIRECT impact. At BRANDED we have heard dozens of reports sharing about stories where simply understanding the issue of child sex slavery… the methods of pimps… the warning signs of potential victims… the danger zones in communities… has resulted in preventative action! Therefore, we seek to provide actions opportunities for EVERYONE to take. In essence:
AWARENESS = PREVENTION
The more people know that human trafficking and child sex slavery exists in their communities, and the more they understand the dynamics of the issue, the safer we will become.
With that said, there are several ways for you to ACT and EDUCATE yourself in the upcoming weeks:
Hosted at the Encanterra Country Club Golf Course on October 10, all proceeds from the night run will be donated to StreetLight as they seek to provide a holistic after-care facility for victims of child sex slavery in the region. 5k, 10k and marathon options. Click here for more information, and Run for a great Cause!
Catholic Charities will be hosting two awareness events to promote the after-care programs of Dignity House, which treats and trains adult women coming out of prostitution. On October 1, a multi-sensory and interactive IMMERSION EXPERIENCE will be exhibited. This is an amazing experience to better understand the deception and abuse that is involved in what is often considered “a victimless crime”. Click here for more information.
We are looking for more venues to host BRANDED Screenings and Events. We see it essential that more people know about this heinous injustice that is thriving in our city. If AWARENESS = PREVENTION then one of our goals is to raise more AWARENESS. If you have ideas or suggestions for possible BRANDED events please click here!
What an exciting weekend in Phoenix for the cause against child sex slavery! Two different churches focused their attention on the need to seek justice, and act against the vile crime of child prostitution in the area.
In Chandler, Pat McCalla of Food for the Hungry spoke at Crossroads Nazarene, focusing God’s heart for justice and the call in Micah 6:8 for us to “do Justice” as an act of worship and devotion. Click here to watch the sermon in it’s entirity.
Also, Christ Church of the Valley (CCV) of Peoria hosted Gary Haugen, President of International Justice Mission (www.ijm.org). Mr. Haugen spoke abou the growing injustice of Human Trafficking that goes unristricted throughout the world, and the need for us as Global Citizens to make prioritize this issue. Click here to watch Mr. Haugen’s message at CCV.
The quest to educate the general public of Phoenix is gaining momentum, and will not stop soon! This upcoming Sunday, August 16, Crossroads Nazarene will be hosting a Human Trafficking and Sex Slavery Symposium at which BRANDED will be screened. Phoenix Vice Officers and others leaders in the fight against slavery will be in attendance. Please invite your friends and family to this event, as it will provide meaningful information towards preventing the injustice, and offer action step for YOU to be involved in the cause!
Crossroads Nazarene - 2950 W Ray Rd Chandler, AZ 85224 - www.crnaz.com
From www.StreetLightphx.com
Today in the Arizona State Senate’s Public Safety and Human Services Committee, Senate Bill 1423 relating to child prostitution was unanimously passed. The committee unanimously voted to take away the cowardly defense of “jons” who claim to have no way of knowing the age of a minor. The next hurdle is for the bill to be passed in the State House. We will know the committee it will be assigned to come this Friday. We will be prompt in posting the time and place of this next hearing. Let us all be fervent in our fight for the protection of our children. Together we will remove the duct tape from the mouths of the silenced and their cries for justice will forever be heard. Thank you to the members of the Senate Standing Committee Manny Alvarez, Leah Landrum Taylor, Al Melvin, Rebecca Rios, Jay Tibshraeny, Jim Waring, and chairman and champion Linda Gray. Please contact the members of the committee and thank them for their dedication and support. www.azsenate.gov