Sex trafficking discussion set for Feb. 24
“I used to be very naïve. I didn’t realize that sex trafficking was in our community,” said Ms. Shriver. She learned about Asservo Project through Ms. Cappatt and was shocked to learn about the tactics traffickers use to “groom” their victims.
“Since we started supporting Asservo, we’ve changed how we live our lives. My kids are little, but I monitor everything they have access to, and I don’t leave them alone in public for even one second.”
Gaming systems, cell phones, web sites and chat rooms are all teeming with pedophiles in disguise who are looking for vulnerable victims, Ms. Shriver said. “This is the reason why I invited Asservo to speak at my church. Even kids from stable, loving homesare susceptible.”
Many young families are part of Harvest Bible Chapel’s congregation, so when Ms. Shriver approached its pastor, Jeff Miller, with information about Asservo’s mission to eradicate human sex trafficking, he didn’t hesitate.
“After Heather talked to me about it, I did more reading and researching on my own, and it really impacted me,” said the pastor, who is the father of two. “I realized that we have to let people know that this isn’t something that happens somewhere else. I was really impressed by the sobering reality that this is a danger in our own backyards, and it’s much, much worse than I realized.”
The Asservo Project is starting its second year as a nonprofit. Ms. Cappatt makes presentations to local schools, churches and other organizations.
“Education is crucial for preventing adults and children from ever having to experience the slave trade,” she said. “And the more the public can recognize it and report it, the more victims can be helped.”