End Slavery Georgia plans more
“Training the boots on the ground” is important, according to Douglas Crumbly, one of the organizers of End Slavery Georgia.
The local organization’s mission is to rescue, rebuild and restore survivors of human trafficking, as well as combat the sex trade in Georgia.
Douglas Crumbly and others officially started the movement in 2015 and are working to build a safe haven in Rome to help victims recover.
The organization recently held a training seminar for local law enforcement, and several more are planned, including one for health care professionals and another for educators.
“The GBI is here training our officers about trafficking and how to recognize the signs,” Douglas Crumbly explained. “We have plans to teach this seminar across the state. This particular seminar teaches law enforcement what the most appropriate charges are in cases of sex trafficking and how to recognize when a girl is being trafficked.”
The response from local law enforcement was positive, according to Debbie Crumbly, Douglas Crumbly’s wife, who also works with ESG.
“It has been phenomenal,” she said. “They have already told us they want more, longer sessions, more in depth. This subject is very new to many.”
Debbie and Douglas Crumbly were introduced to the subject firsthand after Debbie Crumbly met a young woman who was victim of sex trafficking. The woman wandered up to the Crumblys’ church and asked for help.
“We worked with her for two years,” explained Debbie Crumbly.
The young woman’s story caused Doug- las Crumbly to become a man on a mission. He began working to start End Slavery Georgia. The organization officially kicked off a fundraising campaign in December to build a 6,500-square-foot facility near Journey Church, where he serves as pastor.
It will offer the women who escape sex trafficking a safe place to stay and get counseling during the recovery process. ESG organizers are also always working to educate the public about sex trafficking and make them realize it is not just a big city problem or something they see on TV and in movies.