A Unique Campaign Enlists an Unusual Ally to Stop the Trafficking of Native Youth

Chamberlain, SD, October 24, 2016 (Newswire.com) - Native Hope, a nonprofit organization based in Chamberlain, South Dakota, is aiming to reduce the rampant sex trafficking of Native youth, which account for 40% of the state’s trafficking victims. They recently launched the campaign #NeverInSeason (NeverInSeason.org) to raise awareness of increased sex trafficking during pheasant hunting season, as thousands of men pour into the state. The savvy digital and ground campaign asks hunters to be alert to any trafficking activity they may observe. When an event attracts a large number of men, a market for sex trafficking often appears.

Native Hope’s Julie Muldoon says, “Sex trafficking of young Native American girls is a real issue here in South Dakota. Our goal is to help raise awareness, as well as to fund programs that offer girls the support they desperately need." Native Hope plans to continue to build upon the momentum of awareness they were part of at this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August, and are focusing their efforts on the NeverInSeason.org campaign.

"Sex trafficking of young Native American girls is a real issue here in South Dakota. Our goal is to help raise awareness, as well as to fund programs that offer girls the support they desperately need."

Julie Muldoon, Director of Native Hope

Native Hope’s partners and programs are well-established on South Dakota’s Indian Reservations. Services provided by funding these programs through Native Hope include:

●      Safe housing for women and children

●      24-hour crisis line for victims

●      Empowerment training for young Native American girls

●      Domestic and sexual violence prevention and education

●      Counseling and support groups for victims

About Native Hope: Native Hope exists to empower a young generation of Native Americans by addressing issues such as sex trafficking, rape, teen suicide, and domestic abuse, all of which are urgent issues plaguing Native American youth living on reservations. Learn more at NativeHope.com.

Source: Native Hope