Ending Modern Day Slavery
“The first time I really heard of human trafficking was back in 2008. My husband (boyfriend at the time) was about to be deployed for a tour in Iraq when he had to take a class on human trafficking. I began researching human trafficking and the more I learned, the more I knew I had to get involved. Human trafficking is modern day slavery that takes many forms (i.e. sexual exploitation, labor, or child soldiers) My heart breaks for each and every victim, but my passion is to bring an end to child sex trafficking. Specifically, domestic child sex trafficking. Many people are aware that forced sexual exploitation is prevalent in places like Thailand and Cambodia. However, very few people know the same slavery happens in their backyard. Ohio is currently ranking #5 in the nation for human trafficking, and had over 1,070 reported cases of child sex trafficking within its borders in 2010. I have seen the heartbreak and devastation such abuse causes, and will not just stand by and let it happen.”
In October if 2009 Elizabeth co-founded the Love146 Dayton Task Force. Love146 is an international non-profit that raises awareness and fights child sex trafficking through aftercare and prevention programs both here and abroad. The Dayton Task Force is a volunteer expression of Love146 that is committed to being an educated voice in our community, raising awareness and funds for Love146, and partnering with like-minded organizations.
Elizabeth currently a Psychology major at WSU. She plans to use my future degrees to continue the fight against child sex trafficking. Elizabeth was also names on of the Top 25 Women to Watch in Dayton, this past January by WiBN.
A Journey Towards Change: Love146 Partner Trip
In May of 2012, Elizabeth will be traveling to South East Asia with Love146 to gain firsthand knowledge and experience in fighting the epidemic of child sex trafficking abroad. Elizabeth and others will be traveling 3 countries in 9 days (Thailand, Cambodia, and The Philippines).The group will be involved in the Asia aftercare and prevention programs Love146 has established.
A STORY IN AFTERCARE from LOVE146 on Vimeo.
Elizabeth hopes to return from this trip better equipped to lead the members of the Dayton Task Force and implement such programs for domestic aftercare and prevention.
How You Can Help
Elizabeth needs to raise funds in order to make this trip a reality. If you would like to help sponsor this trip, please send cash or a check directly to the Love146 headquarters.
P.O. Box 8266
New Haven, CT 06530
Please be sure to include a note or an earmark on the check stating the donation is ‘Intended for Elizabeth Van Dine May Partner Trip’. All donations are tax deductible.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in learning more and getting behind the cause, Love146 Dayton Task Force meets the first Monday of every month at the Dayton campus of Indiana Wesleyan University ( 2912 Springboro West Road Dayton, OH 45439). Meetings run from 6:30pm-8pm and are open to the public.
