Turning Point creates unique human trafficking program – Macomb Daily

Turning Point has been helping survivors of domestic violence for decades, including victims of human trafficking, who were compelled against their will by force, fraud and coercion into commercial sexual acts or into labor or service.

Now, thanks to a $400,000 renewable grant from Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Turning Point will have a Human Trafficking Program to further support its comprehensive services and resources.

“We will come at human trafficking through the lens of people who have been doing it for more than 40 years,” said Carmen Wargel, senior strategy director for the nonprofit agency that provides shelter and other services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. “We just never called it human trafficking.”

The modern term refers to one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time.

Worldwide there are an estimated 20.9 million victims supporting what amounts to a $150 billion-dollar-industry.

“People who have been trafficked for sex or labor have experienced exploitation similar to survivors of domestic and sexual violence,” said Sharman Davenport, president and CEO of Turning Point. “Many cases of human trafficking, like domestic and sexual violence, go unreported, but it is pervasive and happening here in Macomb County.”

Karen Hanks concurred.

“Both labor and sex trafficking are happening in Macomb County,” said Hanks, trafficking victim assistance at Bethany Christian Services, in a comment on the county's Macomb County Anti-Trafficking Taskforce (MCAT) website. MCAT is an initiative led by the Office of the County Executive and the Macomb County Sheriff's Department and supported by more than 40 partner organizations working to eliminate human trafficking in the region and help those impacted by it including Bethany Christian Services.

“Survivors of trafficking come from all walks of life including different genders, ages, nationalities and socioeconomic backgrounds. The needs of each survivor are unique and complex – no single organization can meet all of them. That's why it's so important for faith-based organizations, community-based non-profits, law enforcement and government to work together to help survivors recover and thrive.”

Turning Point's new program will not only bring more experts to the initiative but will be providing a housing first program, which is a unique addition to the services available in this region.

“What that means is we will provide transitional housing to survivors of human trafficking, be it labor or sex trafficking, regardless of gender or sobriety,” Wargel said, thus addressing a survivor's need for safety and trauma support before moving on to issues related to substance abuse.

The goal for both a trafficker and an abuser is to make a victim feel ashamed, worthless, and totally dependent physically, mentally, emotionally and financially.

“Our new program will provide an opportunity for us to support survivors during their healing process, and include outreach, counseling, advocacy and housing. As with all Turning Point's programs, we will provide human trafficking services that are survivor-centered and trauma-informed to meet the individualized need of each person we serve,” Davenport said.

Turning Point's team for the new program including a first responder advocate, counselors and outreach worker will be led by Natasha Al-Rafie.

Al-Rafie, who joined the staff at Turning Point this past month, has experience working in a shelter program, providing support for mental health and substance abuse. She also worked as program manager at Foundation Communities in Texas.

“With this grant funding, we have new resources critical to connecting with survivors of human trafficking and empowering them in new lives free of oppression and violence,” Davenport said.

Referrals for the Human Trafficking Program are accepted through Turning Point's 24-hour hotline at 586-463-6990, via email at [email protected] or by calling 586-850-6775.

For more information on Turning Point visit turningpointmacomb.org