Ep. 39 - The Truth About "Sex Work" | Vanessa Russell & Benjamin Nolot
Jul 17, 2024
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Vanessa Russell, founder of Love Never Fails, and Benjamin Nolot, founder of Exodus Cry, delve into the harsh realities of human trafficking. They discuss the link between the foster care system and trafficking vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for trauma-informed support. The duo emphasizes the impact of grassroots activism and simple acts of kindness in driving change. They also explore the complexities of choices within sex work and the emotional journey of those transitioning from homelessness. Together, they advocate for systemic changes to ensure safety and healing for the most vulnerable.
Vanessa Russell's Love Never Fails reinforces the importance of education and safe housing in combating human trafficking and empowering survivors.
The podcast highlights the challenges of advocating for legislative reforms, particularly concerning child trafficking, amidst societal misconceptions and political resistance.
Deep dives
Founding Love Never Fails
The establishment of Love Never Fails stemmed from a personal tragedy that deeply affected Vanessa Russell, the founder, who witnessed a student being exploited after attending her dance class. This incident struck a chord with her, given her own experiences with trauma and abuse during her upbringing, propelling her to address the systemic issues surrounding human trafficking. By leveraging her background in technology and arts, Vanessa sought to create a supportive environment for at-risk youth through education, safe housing, and job training programs. Over time, the organization grew from its roots in the San Francisco Bay area to resonate on a national level, profoundly contributing to the anti-trafficking movement.
Challenges of Activism and Community Engagement
Initially, Vanessa faced significant barriers in mobilizing resources and garnering community support for her initiatives against human trafficking. Despite feeling unprepared, she persevered through emotional turmoil and prayer, emphasizing the need for unconditional love and empathy for victims. The community outreach in the early years involved nighttime street missions, where volunteers distributed bracelets reading 'You Are Loved' to those affected by trafficking, helping to build trust and awareness. This grassroots activism laid the foundation for impactful systemic change, as broader societal recognition of trafficking issues began to grow.
Building Safe Housing and Support Programs
A pivotal moment came when Vanessa witnessed the dire need for immediate safe housing for trafficking survivors, as illustrated by the tragic outcome faced by a young girl and her baby. Determined to prevent similar situations, Vanessa rallied community support and funding to open a fully furnished home for women and children in crisis within just seven weeks. This housing model evolved over time, introducing multiple stages of care and independence for program participants, adapting to their needs as they transitioned from immediate safety to long-term recovery. The establishment of various residences has now made Love Never Fails a multifaceted organization, addressing the diverse needs of survivors and helping them to rebuild their lives.
Advocacy and Legislative Efforts
Vanessa's work extends into advocating for legislative action against human trafficking, highlighting the stark disparities within California's legal system concerning both victims and perpetrators. The passage of SB 14 marked a significant step forward, making child trafficking a serious felony, but proposed bills like SB 1414 face pushback from legislators concerned with issues of consent and adult relationships. Vanessa emphasizes that the plight of children coerced into trafficking is often overlooked, and societal narratives can trivialize their suffering. This ongoing struggle reflects the broader systemic challenges faced by activists in ensuring child protection and accountability for traffickers, necessitating continued efforts in both grassroots activism and policy reform.
Join Exodus Cry Founder, Benjamin Nolot, as he interviews Vanessa Russell, founder of Love Never Fails, to discuss her inspiring work combating human trafficking through education, safe housing, and community outreach. Discover how Vanessa's dedication is making a difference and inspiring action against modern-day slavery.
LINKS:
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Exodus Cry is a leading global anti-trafficking nonprofit organization focused on ending widespread sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, exposing this injustice for millions worldwide, and helping its victims to rebuild their lives.
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