Human Trafficking is Modern Day Slavery

An estimated 40.3 million persons worldwide are victims of human trafficking, and one-fourth of them are children. Human Trafficking is defined as the use of force, fraud, and coercion in order to profit from the exploitation of another human being. 

The Problem in Texas

States with the most human trafficking cases tend to be large border states, such as Texas and California. 313,000 people are trafficked in Texas each year, of that amount 79,000 were children and youth, according to a UT study released in January of 2017.  Because of its connecting major highways, port cities, and the Mexican border, at least 20% of the US national trafficking victims travel through Texas at some point. Pimp-controlled and online-driven trafficking isn’t the only type of sex trafficking in the state. The commercial-front sex trafficking industry that uses debt bondage includes bars, cantinas, strip clubs, and illicit massage parlors. Texas is the 4th state in the nation for the concentration of Illicit Massage Business. If you suspect trafficking in Texas, please contact the Texas Abuse Hotline 800-252-5400. 

Traffickers are eager to exploit children through illegal sexual acts for profit. To these criminals, it is easy money since humans can be used over and over again, unlike drugs or guns. Traffickers target vulnerable children and lure them into prostitution through psychological manipulation, drugs, and/or violence. They pretend to be loving and caring to their victim in order to establish their trust and loyalty. This bond with the trafficker ensures the child remains committed to the trafficker even after the child is rescued.  According to Shared Hope International, the average age a child is first exploited is as young as 12. Once the child is indoctrinated into the life of prostitution, they accept the fact that a lifetime of sexual exploitation is what is expected which makes recidivism a huge issue for those who are trying to help survivors get out of their situation and heal. 

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) can be a valuable resource for foster families, offering unique opportunities for therapeutic growth and bonding. Here's how EAP can benefit foster families:

1. Building Trust and Communication: For both foster parents and children, trust and communication are essential components of forming healthy relationships. Interacting with horses in a therapeutic setting can help foster families develop trust and effective communication skills. Horses are highly attuned to non-verbal cues, providing immediate feedback to participants' actions. Through activities such as grooming, leading, and working together to solve tasks, foster families can learn to communicate assertively, listen actively, and build trust with one another.
2. Emotional Regulation: Many foster children have experienced trauma or disruptions in their lives, leading to difficulties in regulating their emotions. EAP provides a safe and supportive environment for children to explore and express their feelings, while also learning coping mechanisms for managing stress and anxiety. Working with horses can help children develop emotional regulation skills by providing a non-judgmental space to practice self-soothing techniques and identify triggers for emotional dysregulation.
3. Building Empathy and Compassion: Interacting with animals, such as horses, can help foster children develop empathy and compassion. Through caring for and bonding with the therapy horses, children learn to understand the needs and feelings of others, fostering a sense of empathy and compassion that can extend to their relationships with their foster family members and peers.
4. Strengthening Family Bonds: EAP sessions offer foster families a unique opportunity to bond and connect with one another in a meaningful way. Engaging in activities together with the therapy horses fosters a sense of teamwork, cooperation, and mutual support. Sharing positive experiences and overcoming challenges as a family can strengthen the bonds between foster parents and children, helping to create a sense of belonging and stability within the family unit.

We are thrilled to share a heartfelt praise report on the incredible journey of a survivor of human trafficking who sought refuge and healing at our ranch, The Meadows. Over the course of her stay with us, she was provided with comprehensive support, including counseling, equine-assisted psychotherapy, art therapy, nourishing food, and a safe space to begin her journey of recovery after her rescue. Witnessing her resilience and determination to overcome her traumatic past was nothing short of inspiring. Today, we are overjoyed to report that she has not only flourished but has also transformed her pain into purpose. Her mother recently shared with us the remarkable news that she has become a missionary, using her own story of survival and redemption to bring hope and healing to others who have experienced similar traumas. Her unwavering courage and commitment to turning her past pain into a beacon of light for others serve as a testament to her strength and resilience. We are immensely proud of her and grateful to have played a part in her journey toward healing and empowerment. Her story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love, support, and resilience in the face of adversity. 

Tia Weber Stasko

I concur with everything in this. Chayah Ministries was a blessing for our daughter and helped transform her life. I truly believe she wouldn’t be where she is without the journey with Chayah.