India is the epicenter of human trafficking and is reported to be the most dangerous country in the world to be a woman because of the high risk of sexual violence and slave labor. Traffickers exploit women and children in small hotels, vehicles, private residences and, increasingly, through social media platforms and mobile dating applications. The most prevalent destination for those being trafficked is employment in the commercial sex industry. Twenty percent of those being trafficked are under the age of 16.
The vast majority of these underage victims are girls who come from illiterate, lower caste families. Without an education and vocational skills, experience has shown that, even after rescue, these girls will often return to the sex trade simply to survive. There is a critical need for high quality aftercare services.
New Horizons established our initial residential facility in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and is currently providing comprehensive rehabilitative services including trauma counseling, medical care, educational opportunities and vocational training to 60 girls ages 12-21.
Girls who are interested in pursuing a university degree, additional vocational training and/or participating in a formal internship program may have the option of moving into New Horizons’ Transition House for up to 3 years.
Our program allows the girls to acquire the confidence and skills they need to be able to make alternate choices for themselves and their futures. Today a number of our girls are attending junior college and several recent graduates have started their own small businesses and are not only supporting themselves but their families as well.
New Horizons defines success as the establishment of a girl’s “normalized” re-entry into society with sufficient mental health to manage independent living through gainful employment and/or marriage. Your partnership will make a difference:
Our program has been recognized by the Indian government as one of the top two childcare facilities in the State of Andhra Pradesh.
Your financial support provides our girls with hope, dignity and restoration: it costs just $4,000 to support a girl for an entire year.
In addition, you can host a social event in your home / church / civic group with materials provided by New Horizons or arrange for one of our Board members to speak at your next event.
Human trafficking occurs everywhere, including the United States. Far from being restricted to developing countries, it is present everywhere that there is disparity of income and education. Human trafficking is not always obvious. Sometimes the victims are locked away while at other times they are exploited right under our noses in sectors such as construction, hospitality and agriculture.
One of the steps you can take to combat human trafficking in your own community is to familiarize yourself with the US Department of State’s list of common warning signs that suggest that someone might be a victim of trafficking.
If you suspect that an individual is a victim of trafficking you should contact your national anti-trafficking hotline.
In the United States, call 1-888-373-7888, the National Human Trafficking Hotline or text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE). If a situation is urgent, call the emergency line on 911.
Visit the website of the U.S. Department of State and download the latest Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Report.
