Human Trafficking
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'Sound of Freedom' Movie Shines Light on Child Trafficking
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Released July 4, 2023, this small studio film is experiencing explosive box office success, resulting in widespread awareness of the horrific practice of child sex trafficking. Protecting the vulnerable, especially children, is central to the mission of the Presentation Sisters, who have long worked in the fight against all forms of human trafficking (scroll down to learn more about those efforts). We encourage viewing of the film and follow-up advocacy so this can be a moment of real change.
Speaker Availability
Sister Rita Jovick, PBVM is a long-time advocate for victims of human trafficking, with a focus on bringing an end to all forms of this horrific practice. She is a member of the U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking; Stop Slavery Coalition, Northern California Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking; the San Francisco Coalition Against Human Trafficking; and the Social Justice Committee of the Sisters of the Presentation, San Francisco. A career educator and administrator, Sister Rita is available to speak in person or via Zoom to parishes, schools, or other organizations on how to recognize a victim, the many forms of human trafficking, and ways ordinary people can advocate for an end to the practice. She may be contacted at [email protected].
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The core values of human dignity and justice compel the Presentation Sisters to work toward the abolition of all forms of human trafficking. Sisters and Associates volunteer at SafeHouse in San Francisco, serve on diocesan committees and other organizations that offer workshops and educational opportunities to raise awareness of the issue, and hold retreats for healing. The congregation is a sponsoring member of the monthly newsletter by the U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking.
Newsletter: Stop Trafficking!
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SafeHouse
Rev. Glenda Hope,
Sister Rosina ConrottoPrompted by a wave of violence against prostituted women in San Francisco in the 1990s, SafeHouse was founded in 1998 by Rev. Glenda Hope, a Presbyterian minister, and Sister Rosina Conrotto, PBVM. The goal of SafeHouse is to provide a nurturing and empowering community for unhoused women escaping from sexual exploitation, prostitution, and sex trafficking.
Since its founding, SafeHouse has served over 400 women and successfully created a healing space that addresses gender-specific responses to chronic homelessness for this overlooked and underserved population. SafeHouse offers supportive transitional housing and a full array of support services that enable residents to reclaim choice and power over their lives and move toward the goal of living a happy, healthy, and independent life.
In 2019, SafeHouse opened the Hope Center drop-in center for women wait-listed for transitional housing, providing support services for those still at great risk. The women who have been and those who continue to be part of SafeHouse are a testament to the possibility of overcoming obstacles and making major changes in their lives.
Sister Rosina continues to serve on the Board of Directors. Other Sisters volunteer as greeters, making new arrivals feel welcome, and facilitating art projects.
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National Human Trafficking Hotline
In the United States:
1-888-373-7888
SMS: 233733 (Text "HELP" or "INFO")
24/7 | multilingual | humantraffickinghotline.org
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News
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"To end human trafficking, we cannot allow this crime to be met with increasing indifference and impunity. We must strengthen resilience against exploitation and the underlying socioeconomic and cultural issues that are conducive to trafficking." The U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking offer a prayer service today, and action items everyone can do and share.Read More -
Annual contest raises awareness among high school students and the community. Sister Rita Jovick reports on the recent Teen Summit and award ceremony.Read More -
Read the latest news from our Social Justice Committee. Topics include the International Day of Prayer and Awareness of Human Trafficking; the January 21st Justice panel; and this summer's International Presentation Association assembly.Read More
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Page banner image: Finalist entries for the 2023 San Francisco Coalition Against Human Trafficking poster contest
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