Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior perpetrated by either a current or previous partner to gain and maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and economic threats or actions towards another person.  These include intimidation, manipulation, humiliation, isolation, coercion, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone. (Department of Justice).

There is no typical abuser. They are present from all social classes. They can be any sex, income background, educational status, religion, or cultural background. While either sex can be an instigator of abuse, typically male abusers are more common.

Support them in their efforts to end the violence in their life. Don’t blame them for the abuse. Volunteer or donate to local programs geared for survivors of domestic abuse. Hold abusers accountable, let them know the community condemns their behavior. Teach young adults that violence is not acceptable; break the use of language, such as “boys will be boys.” Learn more about domestic violence and how to stop it. (Department of Human Services).

There are many factors that prevent an individual from leaving a relationship that they know is harmful. Some of the most compelling reasons are: fear of the abuser, lack of resources (financial or otherwise) or dependence, children, guilt (perpetuate by abuser or family and friends), promises from abuser to change behavior. It is even harder for women from different cultural backgrounds and immigrants’ due to ethnic restraints and isolation. It is important to never blame a victim for not leaving or takin action earlier. It is a process that takes time but support and help goes a long way in removing them from their abusers. (Department of Human Services).

Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery. The United Nations defines it as “the recruitment, transport, transfer, harboring or receipt of a person by such means as threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud or deception for exploitation.” The victims are exploited by the traffickers using force, fraud, or coercion to partake in commercial sex or work. There are two types of human trafficking, labor trafficking and sex trafficking. The vulnerable populations are runaway or homeless youth, children in foster care and juvenile justice system, victims of violence, LGBTQ individuals, Racial and ethnic minorities, migrant workers etc. (Department of Health and Human Services).

Human trafficking committed for sexual exploitation and forced labor are the most common forms of trafficking. Trafficking occurs in every country in the world – either as points of origins, destinations, or both. Frequently trafficking originates from less developed countries to developed countries.

House of Globalization is a non-profit organization that strives to educate and empower victims and advocates of domestic violence and human trafficking. Our mission is to improve justice, strengthen the sovereignty of women and to provide awareness and education through creative arts. We believe that arts can be a powerful medium to give voice to the victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Through our original screenplays, we plan on educating and spark conversations about matters pertaining to these areas. Profits from our films will be used to educate and train advocates and provide funds that support local and global initiatives to end human trafficking and domestic violence.

Some of the red flags are:

• Youth has a runaway history or is homeless.
• Youth is involved with juvenile court (criminal trespassing, shoplifting, false name, substance abuse, etc).
• Youth has hair and nails done and cannot explain how he/she had the resources to get those things done.
• Youth has an open DFCS case.
• Youth is with a significantly older boyfriend/companion or other non-family member.
• Unexplained physical trauma: bruises, black eye, cuts or other marks.
• Unexplained emotional trauma: fear, anxiety, depression, tension, nervousness.
• Youth is traveling with older person that is a non-family member and/or not a guardian.
• Youth has special marked tattoos or branding on his/her body.
• Youth has possession of prepaid credit cards, hotel keys/receipts.

(Office of Attorney General Chris Carr)

A few indicators of an abusive partner:

• Pressures you to move faster in a relationship than you are comfortable with
• Believes in stereotyped gender roles
• Very jealous and possessive; attempts to isolate you from family and friends, tries to persuade you quit your job.
• Abuser has a violent temper and is quick to change moods.
• Cruel and insensitive to other people’s sufferings
• Does not listen when you say no, tries to assert their wishes and opinion on you
• Monitors your activities and spending

National Human Trafficking Hotline:

By phone: 1-888-373-7888

By email: help@humantraffickinghotline.org

By text: Polaris’s BeFree Textline: Text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE)

Online: www.humantraffickinghotline.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Domestic violence Hotline-Georgia

Partnership against Domestic Violence

Atlanta

404.870.9600