Victim Services Unit certifies first faith-based program for adult survivors of trafficking

The Attorney General’s Victim Services Unit has certified Oklahoma’s first program to offer services to adult victims of human sex trafficking.

“One of our goals at the Attorney General’s Office is to help create a network of resources for victims of crime and their families,” Attorney General Scott Pruitt said. “Certification is an important step in ensuring that any victims’ program is operating at the highest standards.”   

DaySpring Villa of Tulsa will provide the new service along with its women’s and children’s programs. DaySpring Villa is Oklahoma’s only faith-based, certified domestic violence shelter and sexual assault program.

Wilma Lively, DaySpring’s executive director said “We at DaySpring Villa consider it a privilege to be able to offer services to hurting women and their children.”   

According to the FBI, human trafficking generates $9.5 billion in yearly revenues worldwide. Sex traffickers often operate sex businesses disguised as modeling studios, health spas, massage parlors or bikini bars.

Last year, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline – (888) 373-7888 – received 102 calls from Oklahoma.

Some warning signs that someone may be a trafficking victim include:

•  Not free to leave, or come and go as they wish;
•  Under 18;
•  Is in the commercial sex industry and has a manager;
•  Is unpaid, paid very little, or paid only in tips;
•  Works excessively long or unusual hours;
•  Is not allowed breaks or suffers unusual restrictions at work;
•  The workplace has high security measures – opaque windows, boarded up windows, barbed wire, security cameras, etc.

For more information, go online to the Attorney General’s website at www.oag.ok.gov or contact DaySpring Villa at (918) 245-4075.