By Emily Waters,
Operations Coordinator
On March 23rd, I had the pleasure of accompanying a group of anti-trafficking advocates from several organizations on a bus trip to Albany that was organized by Sanctuary for Families and National Organization for Women NYC. Our purpose was to watch the TVPJA, or Trafficking Victims Protection and Justice Act, go before the legislative assembly. We met with many elected representatives, held a press conference, and met with Lieutenant Governor Hochul.
Certainly, the most impressive part of the day was watching the bill get passed unanimously by the legislative assembly. A close second, however, was the fact that the bus was filled with several survivors of trafficking. These are women who are strong, who have survived incredible abuse and torture, and who now reach out their hands to help those currently trapped in trafficking.
Helping women regain their self-worth and inherent dignity is a hallmark of what Lifeway Network accomplishes. We walk side by side with women who have experienced human trafficking, provide safe homes and community, and assist them to become independent. We are never more delighted than when we see this process come to fruition and watch survivors speak out with a unified, strong voice, against those who seek to exploit and destroy.