India is a major destination for human sex trafficking, with an estimated 2.5 million prostituted people in more than 1,000 red-light districts. Between 33% and 50% of these are believed to be minors, either born into brothels or trafficked.
However, God is opening doors for SIM in India. Together with local believers, SIM is shining a light into the dark pit of child slavery and prostitution in one of India’s largest cities through a project known as REDLIGHT-GREENLIGHT. The core component of this project is to open an aftercare home for minor girls (age 18 and under) rescued from sex trafficking.
As you can imagine, such a home requires fa
r more than food and shelter. Social workers will coach girls how to testify in court against former captors, and will travel in teams to a child’s village of origin to assess whether or not she is likely to be re-trafficked if returned to her family. An in-house school will focus on functional literacy; on creative therapies such as art, music, and sports; and on more advanced distance-learning because girls will not be able to attend local school. Counsellors will help girls work through the trauma of their own stories and to receive healing.
In addition to aftercare, the team has identified other key responses to trafficking that are greatly needed. These include street ministries in the brothel districts, mobilisation of local believers through networking and media events, strategies to free slaves, and prevention measures.
That’s why SIM has established REDLIGHT-GREENLIGHT. Working with partner agencies and local churches, taking Christ’s love and truth into red-light districts to see lives transformed and give these children a “greenlight” out of bondage.
Financial resources are needed for the start-up expenses and the first three year’s operational cost for the home. These costs include everything from building rental, utilities and insurance, to furnishings, food, medical care, and all of the needs these girls will have. This project also needs your prayers.
