If you're like most people, you find these facts to be quite alarming, but you may not know how to help. The most important thing you can do is promote legislation that prevents and remediates human trafficking by visiting action centers like the Polaris Project. It's also extremely important to understand how your consumer choices influence sex trafficking, so you can adjust your spending away from industries that support victimization.
Supporting victims through savvy purchases
Make your dollars talk for you. Check out these fashion and personal care products that are more than just beautiful. Proceeds from the sale of these items directly help sex trafficking victims and support the organizations that work to eradicate sexual slavery around the world.
1. Ethiopian antique disc clutch
This sweet little number is both timeless and fresh for spring and summer. Pair it with a bold maxi dress or a white bohemian skirt to look beach-ready in no time. Proceeds support Ethiopian women at risk for sexual exploitation. (akolaproject.org, $128)
2. Rajeswari racerback tank
Every woman needs several cute tank tops in her closet. We especially love this coral racerback tee from International Princess, which provides vocational training for women leaving the sex industry. (shop.intlprincess.org, $21)
3. Lotus mosaic necklace
In many cultures, the lotus flower represents rebirth from hardship. This mosaic necklace is produced by trafficking survivors currently living in Nepal. They are paid well above fair trade values for their work, so they can build new lives for themselves. (relevee.com, $55)
4. Paper Triangle Drop Earrings
All of the accessories and clothing items at Global Goods Partners are created by survivors of sex trafficking, but we especially like these unique, color blocked drop earrings from Swaziland. (globalgoodspartners.org, $20)
5. Thistle Farms spa kit
Sex trafficking isn't just a global problem. The U.S. has many domestic survivors of sex trafficking, too. This spa kit from Thistle Farms includes beauty products made by women working through the residential program at the Community of Magdalene in Tennessee. (store.thistlefarms.org, $25)
6. Wooden donut necklace
Women in the Far East are at increased risk for sex trafficking. This beautiful wooden, retro-style necklace is handmade by women who have escaped the sex trade and found safe haven in China. Proceeds directly support the micro-enterprises of these women. (bajalia.com, $14)
7. Dhara necklace
Communities can prevent sex trafficking in the first place by improving the resilience of their income. This fabric-tie necklace is created by a group of 30 women in Calcutta who have done just that — they sell these products to remove the community's temptation to sell their daughters into slavery. (buythechangeusa.org, $24)
8. Lalima link necklace
Looking for a statement piece? Look no further than this brilliant gold link necklace, handcrafted by Indian survivors of the sex trade. (bajalia.com, $100)
9. Crochet infinity scarf
If summer nights cool down too much for your liking, warm up with this crisp and lightweight infinity scarf. It's handmade by women at risk for trafficking in India. (dfcreations.corecommerce.com, $30)
10. Wood stretch bracelet
We love the idea of pairing this timeless and casual wooden bracelet with colorful shorts this summer. The bracelet is made by survivors, and proceeds support counseling, education and vocational training (starfish-project.com, $20)
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