World Hope International (WHI) believes in God’s desire for freedom and justice for the oppressed and the violated. We envision mercy and compassion for the disempowered, healing for the abused, and recovery for the victims of exploitation. These convictions are our passion; they are the reasons why we work so hard every day to serve victims of human trafficking and gender-based violence GBV), and why we are committed to doing all we can to prevent such crimes from happening in the first place.

Global estimates indicate that up to 7 in 10 women around the world will experience physical and/or sexual violence during her lifetime. Sexual and gender-based violence results in both physical and socioeconomic distress for victims, who report negative effects on their health and well-being ranging from physical problems to anxiety, extreme fear, and suicidal ideation. Seeking legal redress often comes at a high cost to victims and their families through a combination of expensive legal fees, missed work, loss of wages, and job insecurity. Such threats undermine women’s and girls’ empowerment and obstruct their inclusive participation in economic and political life.

Equally as concerning, nearly 46 million people are estimated as being enslaved in the world today. Individuals who are trafficked and exploited often experience poverty and abuse prior to and throughout their victimization and some are exploited and/or trafficked several times before coming to the attention of support services. Each stage of the human trafficking process can involve physical, sexual, and psychological abuse; deprivation and torture; the forced use of substances; manipulation; economic exploitation; and abusive working and living conditions. Human trafficking can result in long-term physical and emotional impacts and continued traumatization for the victim, the majority of whom are unsure how to seek help.

Traffickers and abusers usually target vulnerable people, using lies to prey on those desperate for a better life. Prevention, through education and networking at the community level, is key to protecting those susceptible to trafficking and abuse. WHI utilizes public awareness and targeted education to train community stakeholders on how to identify the signs of human trafficking and GBV, where to report it, and how to work with local authorities to keep violence and exploitation out of their communities. Local leaders are often trained and empowered to monitor and report cases of trafficking and GBV, encouraging community-wide accountability in the fight against modern slavery and GBV. To respond to the needs of victims, WHI’s emergency aftercare staff offer survivors a path towards recovery, providing immediate and comprehensive care, education, life skills training, and connection to legal counsel to prosecute traffickers and abusers.

Learn more: 2017 Anti-Trafficking & Gender-Based Violence Annual Report

Albania

In Albania, WHI is helping high-risk women and girls learn the handicraft skills that increase their economic security and reduce their vulnerability to human trafficking. Learn More

Azerbaijan

WHI has been promoting community-led education and awareness of Trafficking in Persons in Azerbaijan since 2009. Learn More

Sierra Leone

Since 2004 WHI has played a lead role in empowering grassroots and government stakeholders to prevent and address human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Sierra Leone. Learn More

Ukraine

WHI’s Hope House is a transition home for young women, a place to belong and learn life skills while completing education. Under the supervision of a house mother, 127 young women have completed the program since 2001, receiving life skills training and support to finish high school and college education. Additionally, the First Step Centre in Odessa serves as a safe space from the streets for children from high-risk families to receive a warm meal and hygiene care. Learn more

United States

Hope Haven is a new ministry created by WHI and Hephzibah Children’s Home to assist girls aged 12-17 who are survivors of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking. Learn More

Stories of Survival

Learn more about the victims of trafficking and GBV WHI has served and their stories of survival and recovery. Learn More

For more information on fighting human trafficking:

Faith Alliance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAAST)
WHI is a founding member of FAAST, which provides a framework for collaboration between Christian churches, denominations, universities and communities around the world who are rising up to confront human trafficking.