You know when you get that pop-up on your computer screen… the one with the big “!” and reads “ERROR: bla bla bla”. This is one of those times for the abolitionist cause. Something is obviously not right and requires our attention IMMEDIATELY!

One of the many wonderful things about our nation is the opportunity to participate in the defining and refining of our government. We vote, we advocate, we share our ideas and opinions. As often said, we take for granted this process of democracy. This is especially evident when noting the tragic events that occur in other countries when an individual implores his or her right to speech and the governing process. Beatings, imprisonment, and sometimes execution are the frequent formal responses of governments who don’t afford the liberties we experience.

With that said, we at BRANDED are anticipating a busy Legislative session over the next six months. Currently, our priority is to secure the funding and staffing of the Phoenix Vice Squad that is being considered for budget cuts in the Phoenix City Council. If you’ve followed BRANDED at all over the past year, you understand the utter importance of these heros who fight to save children from sex slavery on the front lines, and lock up the predators that enslave them. Not only is the Phoenix Vice Squad essential for the combating of sex slavery that exists in the Phoenix Metro area, they also are national leaders for law enforcement on this issue. THEY are your tax dollars well spent.

The cause to eradicate child sex slavery would suffer an enormous set-back with de-resourcing of the Vice. We’ve come so far over the past 18 months, and it is time to ensure we can proceed along side these brave officers. Please consider sharing your feelings about the importance of the Phoenix Vice Squad with the following members of the Phoenix City Council, and signing this petition –> CLICK HERE

Mayor Phil Gordon - mayor.gordon@phoenix.gov

Thelda Williams - council.district.1@phoenix.gov

Peggy Neely - council.district.2@phoenix.gov

Bill Gates - council.district.3@phoenix.gov

Tom Simplot - council.district.4@phoenix.gov

Claude Mattox - council.district.5@phoenix.gov

Sal DiCiccio - council.district.6@phoenix.gov

Vice Mayor Michael Nowakowski - council.district.7@phoenix.gov

Michael Johnson - council.district.8@phoenix.gov

www.brandedphx.com

No matter the politics, wedge issues, or hot topics of the day… a Presidential Proclamation is a big deal. This month, President Obama has proclaimed the importance of re-committing our nation to the ideals of freedom and equality for all. The existence of slavery in the world… and in our country is unacceptable.

As part of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, please take a minute to read the linked Presidential Proclamation:

No matter the politics, wedge issues, or hot topics of the day… a Presidential Proclamation is a big deal. This month, President Obama has proclaimed the importance of re-committing our nation to the ideals of freedom and equality for all. The existence of slavery in the world… and in our country is unacceptable.

As part of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, please take a minute to read the linked Presidential Proclamation:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-national-slavery-and-human-trafficking-prevention-month

Thank you.

brandedphx.com

With “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” in our past, now comes the time to think through the gifts we hope to give over the holidays.  Often times the prices determine what we purchase and give… but what if we let something else become the prime factor in our gift decisions? Something we hold in higher regard than the ALMIGHTY DOLLAR?

Below lists some great ideas that benefit the cause of freedom from slavery, something that NEEDS to be a world priority!

• ABOLITION FUND - Consider joining the BRANDED Abolition Fund, or gift it to someone you know cares about the issue of child sex slavery in Phoenix. For $13.00 per month, ABOLITION FUND members will be treated as dedicated abolitionists and receive monthly update emails, invites to exclusive events, and more. Visit www.brandedphx.com/abolitionfund for more information!

• BRANDED T-SHIRT - Purchase a BRANDED T-Shirt and raise awareness by simply wearing clothes!

• HOPE JEWELRY - Local organization, selling slave-free jewelry and accessories.

• NOT FOR SALE: FREEDOM STORE - Accessories, clothing, coffee and so much more offered with one garauntee: EVERYTHING MADE AND SENT SLAVE FREE!

• BATON-IT-ON - A neat way to spread love and awareness, sending a baton is a unique message system that sends messages via the mail! Purchase one for $10 and half the proceeds are donated to BRANDED!

• FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY GIFT CATALOG - Exciting ways to support the International Development ministry of Food for the Hungry. Donate a Goat, Education Supplies, Mosquito Nets, or a Small Business Loan in the name of one who cares about poor.

www.brandedphx.com

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:

• Shea Homes Glow Run to benefit StreetLight

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 Immersion Experience and Candlelight Walk

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.

• Host a BRANDED Event - Get the word out!

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!

We’ve received several comments following a rise in public exposure via news outlets and conversation, that critique the fundamental argument we try to make that:

Child Prostitution (aka Child Sex Slavery) = A heinous Injustice

Even more specifically, domestic child prostitution is considered Human Trafficking according to definition. Therefore we must address the elements of this issue that are being Critiqued:

The two assumptions being made by critics are:

1. Child prostitutes choose their vocation (oppression) - Let us not be so naive to think that there is not correlation between the Valley being the worst in the country in kidnappings AND one of the worst cities for Child prostitution. Many girls are abducted and forced into this life, tortured, enslaved and left completely helpless to the will of the Pimp. Case-in-point Jaycee Dugard. Though she was not prostituted out by her captor, this still represents an abduction that led to sex slavery. AND IT HAPPENS ALL OVER THE VALLEY!
2. “Good parenting” will prevent this issue from occuring - Along the same lines, we must dispel the idea that “good parenting”, though helpful in many ways, eliminates the threat. It doesn’t take much from peers and good-looking, older guys to manipulate their way into a teenager’s favor. Promises of fancy clothes, VIP lifestyles and adventurous love will barrage any “secure” and “supportive” home. This is why “good parenting” must include educating future-victims of the dangers that exist. It is more than just “stranger-danger”; This is potential slavery and rape, preying on children at schools, malls, and parks.

If you continue to question the idea that Child Prostitution is a Justice issue that all must embrace, we welcome you to continue the discourse by commenting to this Blog Post. We also invite all to learn more about this issue, and what is being done around the valley to combat Child Sex Slavery, to BRANDED screenings that are schedule and posted regularly on the home page. At BRANDED screenings we facilitate a panel discussion and Q&A with members of the Phoenix Vice Squad, former Victims, and City Advocates.

There was a study completed by the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE) in 2006-2007 to find out who “John” really is. They interviewed over 100 men who purchased sex in order to gather this information.

• They interviewed men of all ages - ranging between 20-71 years old.
• 79% were college educated
• 62% made over $40,000/year
• 62% had a wife or girlfriend
• Over 50% of them paid for sex as frequently as several times a week to at least once a month.
• The average age that a man first purchased sex was 21 although the range went from 10-52 years old
Johns come from all walks of life. They have jobs, families, and live in our neighborhoods. We need to be educated about who is making rape for profit a demand just as much as we need to educate the Johns about what life is like for these young girls. It is commonly stated that Johns don’t feel bad for what they are doing because the girls are “willing” to sell their bodies. However, in this same study, 75% of the men stated that they saw a pimp or “manager” with the girl that they were purchasing. 25% of the men who saw a Pimp said that the relationship looked “exploitative and harmful to the woman” - that doesn’t imply “willing”!

To find out more about their findings go to: www.stopsexualexploitation.com and click on “Why Men Buy Sex”.

Small Scottsdale Church takes lead on Serving Detained Victims

What began as simple conversations, discussing the issue of child sex slavery in the Phoenix Metro Area, turned into a church wide campaign to make sure victims were being served. Journey Scottsdale, a small but growing congregation located in Old Town, Scottsdale grasped the vision that child prostitutes are VICTIMS not criminals. Taking the information produced by the Phoenix Vice Squad, and the scenarios posed in the documentary BRANDED about the need for basic necessities for girls that are picked up off the street, the church took this as a “call to respond”. An they did so in a big way!

Organized by Pastor Eric Ehmann and several devoted and passionate members, the church took a Sunday to ponder God’s passion for justice, and how our lives should reflect that passion. Following the service the church assembled a variety of donated goods into “Green Bags”. These bags included basic toiletries, a small snack, bottled water, oversized T-shirt, and other products that a victim might benefit from after working the street for hours on end.

The small church performed an enormous act of compassion towards those victimized by the child sex trade in Phoenix. Though large scale efforts that require large amounts of capital and investment will be needed to eradicate slavery from our city, so are the smaller-scale initiatives like that of Journey Scottsdale’s “Green Bags”. Together, we can all bring an end to slavery in Phoenix!

www.journeyscottsdale.com

www.brandedphx.com