"The Web of Human Trafficking" told by Sister Rita Jovick

In the intricate tapestry of Sister Rita Jovick's life, each thread weaves a story of commitment, advocacy, and a profound dedication to eradicating human trafficking. Sister Rita's journey, spanning from her roots in a diverse family to her current role as a volunteer for Northern California Sisters Against Human Trafficking, paints a picture of resilience and compassion.

Background: A Rainbow of Diversity
Born into a family with Irish/English and Croatian heritage, Sister Rita, along with her two sisters, grew up in San Francisco. After 40 years in Catholic elementary schools, she embarked on a sabbatical that included a transformative holistic retreat, arts classes, and seven weeks in Europe. Her journey led her to become the development director for Capacitar that taught mind, body, spirit methods to underserved women throughout the world.  Later Sister Rita became the administrator/development director of El Proyecto de las Rosas, a center for adult education in California's central valley. In 2016, she began volunteering for Northern California Sisters Against Human Trafficking and the Motherhouse.

Inspiration and Commitment: Answering the Call
Sister Rita's commitment to combating human trafficking evolved through experiences, education, and a growing awareness of abuse within communities. Inspired by the call to social justice, she joined the fight against human trafficking, a cause that gained momentum with Sister Rosemary Campi's involvement. Sister Rita's participation expanded as she engaged with various projects, including collaborations with the National Council of Jewish Women and the San Francisco Collaborative Against Human Trafficking.

Labor Trafficking Awareness: Unmasking the Hidden Chains
In discussing human trafficking, Sister Rita emphasized the prevalence of labor trafficking, often overshadowed by the attention on sex trafficking. Labor trafficking victims, she notes, are found hidden in plain sites like restaurants, farms, gardens, and even domestic service. The signs of labor trafficking include excessive working hours, physical or psychological abuse, low or no pay and submission out of fear.

Recognizing Victims: A Crucial Step
Sister Rita underlines the importance of recognizing victims by dispelling stereotypes. Instead of using terms like "Johns" and "buyers," she urges the use of truer terms like "rapists" and "pedophiles." Victims should be referred to as such, moving away from derogatory terms like "prostitutes" or "whores."

Education, Advocacy, and Action: The Mission of Sisters Against Human Trafficking
The Northern California Sisters Against Human Trafficking operate on three pillars: education, advocacy, and action. Sister Rita highlights the significance of education as a powerful tool to combat trafficking. Advocacy involves challenging societal norms and pushing for legislative changes. Action takes various forms, from supporting victims to promoting awareness in communities.

LGBTQ+ Vulnerability: A Critical Dimension
Sister Rita sheds light on the heightened vulnerability of the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing the risks faced by individuals fleeing persecution in their home countries. The negativity surrounding this community in the United States and other countries further contributes to their vulnerability. Recognizing and addressing these challenges is crucial to preventing exploitation.

Practical Steps for Support: A Call to Action
Sister Rita's call to action is clear: educate, advocate, and take-action. She emphasizes the need for a change in vocabulary and urges individuals to contact politicians to pass laws protecting victims. Success stories, she notes, often stem from increased awareness, legislative changes, and collaborative efforts. She shares practical steps such as using the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888) and texting "HELP" to 233733 (BEFREE). Put these numbers in your cell phone.

Conclusion: A Call to Change the Narrative
Sister Rita’s message is clear – education, advocacy, and action are the keys to untangle the web of human trafficking. By changing our words, challenging stereotypes, and supporting victims, we can collectively work towards a world free from the shackles of exploitation. Sister Rita's journey is not just a personal story but an invitation to all to become advocates in the mission to end human trafficking.