Traverse Project

At Traverse Project, it’s important we share stories like this to raise awareness about the realities of commercial sexual exploitation and the ongoing demand that fuels it. A Minnesota State Senator has been charged after allegedly soliciting an undercover officer posing as a sex worker in Bloomington. Cases like this underscore the importance of addressing demand and supporting efforts to end human trafficking in all forms. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/gZ_YDxSw #traverseproject

This Women’s Month, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and power of women. But we cannot ignore the silent crisis that continues to steal their freedom—human trafficking. For millions of women and girls, this isn’t just an issue. It’s their reality. They are bought, sold, and exploited, their voices silenced, their dreams shattered. They are not statistics. They are daughters, mothers, sisters, and friends. Every woman deserves to be free. Every girl deserves a future. This Women’s Month, let’s do more than just acknowledge the issue—let’s fight for their lives. Because it’s more than a cause. It’s HER life. Traverse Project is on the frontlines, working to break trafficking networks, protect the vulnerable, and demand justice. But we can’t do it alone. Stand with us. Speak up. Take action. ?? Join Traverse Project in the fight today. Visit www.traverseproject.org to get involved. #traverseproject

Danbury police have arrested five men, aged 23 to 40, after raiding a home on Chappelle Street where two 15-year-old girls were being trafficked. Neighbors reported hearing the **cries of the teens**, leading authorities to uncover the horrifying abuse. * The victims were forced to perform sex acts up to 15 times a day. * One of the girls had been reported missing from NYC. * The house was set up as a brothel, with men paying for sex with the underage girls. * Police seized cash, drugs, and evidence linking the suspects to trafficking The suspects face serious charges, including **human trafficking, sexual assault, and promotion of prostitution**. The teens are now in the care of the state Department of Children and Families. **Read the full article here:** [newstimes.com](https://lnkd.in/gYmkgwxA) #traverseproject

Our Founder and CEO, Austin S., had the honor of being featured on SOFREP Radio, the premier source for Special Operations military news and straight talk, hosted by former military operators. With a distinguished background in law enforcement and international counter-human trafficking, Austin has pioneered our data-driven methodologies to combat human trafficking here at Traverse Project. Tune in as he shares his insights on leveraging intelligence and technology in the fight against human trafficking, along with his experiences collaborating with law enforcement, military, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. Watch here: https://lnkd.in/gSpWSAFQ #traverseproject

March is Women’s Month—A Time to Honor the Strength of Survivors Women are more than statistics. They are warriors. They are survivors. They are reclaiming their voices, their bodies, and their futures. Human trafficking seeks to break the spirit, but the resilience of survivors is unshakable. They have endured the unthinkable and still rise—fighting for their freedom, their healing, and their right to live without fear. This month, we don’t just celebrate women—we honor those who have walked through fire and emerged stronger. We amplify their voices, support their journeys, and stand alongside them in the fight for justice. To every survivor: You are seen. You are valued. You are powerful. #traverseproject

Spanish police have smashed a human trafficking ring that lured more than 1000 women to the country over the past year with false job offers before forcing them into sex work, police said. The women, who were mainly from Venezuela and Colombia, were told they would be working in the beauty or cleaning sectors, Spain’s National Police said in a statement on Sunday. “On arrival in Spain they were transferred to clubs where they were sexually exploited and forced to work all hours,” police said. The women were only allowed out for two hours per day and were kept under video surveillance. Three alleged ring leaders - two Colombian women and a Spaniard - were among 48 suspects arrested in raids in Alicante and Murcia, in southeastern Spain, and three strip clubs were closed as part of the operation. Police also seized more than 150,000 euros ($A247,000) in cash, blocked bank accounts containing 938,000 euros ($A1.5 million) and seized 17 properties. Six of the suspects were held in pre-trial detention, police said. The others were released on bail to face trial at a later date. #traverseproject

Human trafficking is real, and it thrives on inaction. It’s happening in your community; the only way to stop it is to confront it. Take action for change with us. Learn how you can jump in the fight with us at www.traverseproject.org. #traverseproject

BREAKING: ICE Arrests 6 Members of Venezuelan Criminal Gang in Montana Federal agents arrested six members of Tren de Aragua (TdA) in Bozeman & Belgrade on Feb. 12. TdA is a dangerous transnational criminal organization that originated in Venezuela and has rapidly expanded across South America, Central America, and the U.S. The gang is known for human trafficking, drug smuggling, extortion, and violent crime. Authorities say TdA has been trying to establish a presence in Montana, and law enforcement is working to shut them down. The operation was led by ICE and HSI Denver, with assistance from local police. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dZByTWPh #traverseproject

BREAKING: Eight members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) have been indicted in Tennessee for sex trafficking and forced prostitution. Law enforcement vows to dismantle TdA and hold them accountable. All suspects are now in federal custody. Read full article here: https://lnkd.in/gWQTphUk #traverseproject

While the world watches the Super Bowl for the touchdowns, the halftime show, and the celebrations, another horrific game is happening behind the scenes—human trafficking. A Shadow Over New Orleans:?As over 100,000 visitors flood New Orleans for the Super Bowl and another 1.5 million prepare for Mardi Gras, traffickers seize the opportunity to exploit the vulnerable. Hotels, motels, and streets become hunting grounds for predators selling victims into modern-day slavery. The Alarming Truth: * The Super Bowl is one of the largest human trafficking events in the U.S. * During the 2021 Super Bowl, 146 human trafficking-related arrests were made in just one host city. * Traffickers target runaways, minors, and vulnerable women, forcing them into exploitation while the party rages on. ?While the world cheers for a trophy, lives are being destroyed in the shadows. The fight against human trafficking isn’t optional—it’s a responsibility. We demand action. We demand justice. Your Super Bowl Party Shouldn’t Be Someone Else’s Nightmare. Speak out. Take action. Join the fight. Sources: * WWNO, “Looking Out for Signs of Human Trafficking During Super Bowl” wwno.org * Thomson Reuters, “The Super Bowl: Gridiron Dreams, Human Trafficking Nightmares” thomsonreuters.com #traverseproject