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WAR International fights human trafficking during Gazelle Girl

Women At Risk International

The International Labor Organization estimates that there are over 40 million victims of human trafficking worldwide.

But it’s not just a global issue. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Michigan ranks sixth in the U.S. for the most reported human trafficking cases.

In West Michigan, though, human trafficking is not always visible. Rachel Olexa, program supervisor for Women At Risk (WAR) International, says human traffickers often use psychological means to abuse their victims.

“A lot of women who are trafficked are trafficked over time. There’s a lot of manipulation that happens before women get trafficked.”

In addition to women, WAR International says, children, immigrants and refugees are most vulnerable for these at-risk situations.

Though many victims may be coming from a place of hurt, Bethany Bratt, marketing lead at WAR International says, they all deserve the chance to heal.

“We want to help them feel like they can turn their pain into power as they continue living.”

WAR International will be partnering with the Gazelle Girl race on April 14th to raise funds for emergency at-risk relief.

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