UMD SAFE Center

Photo Credit: Joe Andrucyk, Office of Governor Wes Moore

Leaders of TurnAround Inc, Human Trafficking Prevention Project, and @MCASAorg, alongside Survivor Leader Stacy Jewell and Rev. Tony Lee emphasized the need to believe the words of survivors, provide opportunities for criminal record relief, and face hard times together.

For #HumanTraffickingAwarenessMonth, @SusanEsserman joined Lt. Governor @arunamiller and Secretary of State @SenatorSusanLee to recognize Maryland’s commitment to stepping up to combat human trafficking as the federal government steps back.

The need for comprehensive services and protections for survivors has never been greater. We are thankful for our state and local partners who are seeking to step up to support survivors in the face of adversity. Today, we are reminded of survivors' resilience and strength.

On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, survivors are facing unprecedented challenges to accessing legal protections and life-saving services, including housing, healthcare, case management, and therapy. #EndViolenceAgainstWomen

Violence against women, including human trafficking, continues to threaten the safety and health of women and girls in the US and around the world. Nearly 85% of the survivors that the SAFE Center serves have been women and girls, while over 40% have been youth under age 25.

Youth survivors have incredibly complicated needs. Some were kicked out of their homes or forced to run away. Service providers across the US are involved in every aspect of young survivors’ recovery.

Without immediate action, thousands of #humantrafficking survivors risk losing access to safe housing, forcing many into unstable housing or dangerous situations that put their safety in jeopardy.

Yesterday over 100 victim services grants from the DOJ expired, and new funding opportunities have not been released. Without new funding, thousands of #humantrafficking survivors will lose access to lifesaving services #RestoretheServices #ReleasetheFunds

Take one minute to contact DOJ leadership to urgently request that they restore survivor services and release the TVPA funds: freedomunited.org/advocate/relea…

Youth survivors have incredibly complicated needs. From meeting their basic needs to helping them navigate our confusing systems and providing them with long-term stability, social and legal service providers are involved in every aspect of young survivors’ recovery.

On 9/30, over 100 victim services grants from the DOJ will expire, and new funding opportunities have not been released. Without new funding, thousands of #humantrafficking survivors will lose access to lifesaving services #RestoretheServices #ReleasetheFunds

We are encouraged by the Tvisa Q324 applications @USCIS approved. We hope for more progress adjudicating applications in Q4, getting closer to the 5,000 annual cap, bringing critical benefits to survivors waiting too long. #SurvivorsCannotWait tinyurl.com/mrybcvyn

Asegúrese de visitarnos este sábado 17 de agosto en Langley Park Community, donde nuestro equipo hablará con la comunidad sobre los recursos locales que ofrecemos. Estaremos en el lugar de 10:00 am a 1:00 pm.

Be sure to visit us this Saturday Aug. 17 at the Langley Park Community where our team will be talking to the community about local resources we offer. Come by! We will be onsite from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

We celebrate the leadership of @CEXAlsobrooks Renee Battle-Brooks @PGCOHR @SteptoeLLP @PGCCouncilMedia in passing groundbreaking legislation that uses procurement mechanisms to combat human trafficking tinyurl.com/yfnzkze9 tinyurl.com/4ns9w893

On World Day Against Trafficking, the SAFE Center celebrates the resilience of the survivors we serve. As we work with community partners to prevent & combat trafficking, we are grateful for the survivor voices that inform our work. #EndHumanTrafficking ow.ly/s8rN50SMH7o