Johns:
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WE SEE YOU buying our girls.
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WE SEE YOU abusing our daughters.
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WE SEE YOU fueling sex trafficking.
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And we say NO MORE!
#WeSeeYou Rally Focuses on Buyers/Johns in Houston’s Red Light District
PRESS RELEASE: Oct. 13-14: An anti-human trafficking rally and press conference will be held to demonstrate how the buyers are fueling teen trafficking in Houston
HOUSTON, TX, Oct. 9, 2017—Houston is one of the top cities in the nation for sex trafficking, and this problem is fueled by the demand, specifically the buyers or “Johns” who are paying for sex. Too often the focus is only on the trafficker and the victim; the public often forgets that a key third party exists – the buyer or the “Johns.” Typically, these are men from all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds. Without their role in purchasing trafficking victims, there would be no sex trafficking in Houston.
Free the Captives is hosting their #WeSeeYou Rally on Oct. 13-14 to shine a light on the role that these buyers play in fueling trafficking. The rally will be held on Bissonnet Street between Beltway 8 and Highway 59 in southwest Houston. This short stretch of road is essentially Houston’s red light district.
Founded 9 years ago, Free the Captives works with law enforcement to rescue young teenaged trafficking victims, and then they help to rebuild their lives. Free the Captives offers support groups and mentoring. Additionally, they assist with shelter, provide economic stability through their job program, and teach life skills. “Early on we realized that it did not matter how many girls we rescued or helped. It would never end if we didn’t do something to combat the demand from the Johns. As long as men were buying, girls would always be sold,” said Julie Waters, an attorney as well as the director and founder of Free the Captives, “We welcome the public to join us during our #WeSeeYou rally. We want the “Johns” to know that “We see you. We see you raping our daughters. We see you fueling sex trafficking. We see you destroying your own family, and it must stop.”
“Houston has come a long way in fighting trafficking. Law enforcement continues their rigorous approach to arresting buyers. As long as there are buyers in Houston, traffickers will continue recruiting young girls into the sex trade,” said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “The DA’s Office will make sure that these buyers are held responsible for their actions. The county is not a safe haven for traffickers or the men who buy from them,” said Harris County DA Kim Ogg.
“The county has tackled sex trafficking in a variety of ways including going after the owners of establishments where trafficking is occurring. We are proud to stand with Free the Captives as they ensure that buyers will be held accountable,” said County Attorney Vince Ryan.
October 13, 2017: Free the Captives will hold a press conference during the #WeSeeYou Rally at 3:00pm at 9525 Bissonnet Street, #265, Houston, TX 77036 with County Attorney Vince Ryan, DA Kim Ogg, Chief Art Acevedo, and Sheriff Ed Gonzalez speaking. From 11am to 7pm, on Oct. 13-14, the rally will be held on Bissonnet Street near the press conference site.
DATE: October 13-14, 2017
TIME: 3pm (Oct. 13) — Press Conference
11am – 7pm (Oct. 13 & 14) — Free the Captives’ #WeSeeYou Rally
WHERE: 9525 Bissonnet Street, #265, Houston, TX 77036
DEADLINE FOR ORDERING RALLY SHIRT: EXTENDED TO TUESDAY, OCT. 10:
http://www.
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