Why We Exist
Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST; also called “Child Sex Trafficking”) is defined as the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act where the person is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident under the age of 18 years.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) is defined as sexual activity involving a child for something of value or promise thereof, to the child or another person where the child is being treated as a commercial sex object.
"CSEC is the commodification of children for the purpose of sex.” -Susan Norris, Founder and Executive Director of Rescuing Hope
Information & Resources
SWAHT
Savannah Working Against Human Trafficking (SWAHT) is the oldest 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization concentrated on anti-human trafficking efforts in the coastal Georgia region. SWAHT has simultaneously placed attention on raising awareness as well as on educating professionals and the general public about human trafficking.
Wellspring Living
Wellspring Living is a non-profit organization in Atlanta, Georgia that provides domestic sex trafficking victims and those at risk with specialized recovery services through residential and community-based programs. Wellspring Living is a leader in the nation for residential care.
Rescuing Hope
Susan Norris has become the powerful, loud voice of the silent. Her book, Rescuing Hope, is a disturbing eye opener for all who read it. Unfortunately this story portrays the reality for many young, beautiful women who are waiting to be rescued. After you read this book, you will no longer be able to say, “I didn’t know”…
Vocabulary Matters
Changing the language does the following:
· Reframes the issue as a form of child abuse.
· Expresses the philosophy that sexually exploited children deserve support services instead of jail sentences.
· More accurately represents the scope of the issue and the reality of exploited youth's experiences.
· Creates a common language to facilitate moving toward a community response plan.
Our History
A Message from Our Founder
Several years ago, I began to sense a calling to become a part of the solution to this ongoing and overwhelming issue facing us in our generation. It is with both a broken heart and great joy that I present to you the House of Hope – a residential program with curriculum designed to integrate mind, body and spirit that will renew, restore, and then release (into true freedom) the lives of these precious girls, offering them a future filled with hope.
House of Hope is a dream and a calling that is now a reality thanks to the generosity of family, friends, and this amazing community in the Golden Isles of Coastal Georgia and our friends and partners throughout the US and beyond!
Darcelle Burandt, MA, LPC
Founder of House of Hope
