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Breaking Free, a non-profit organization based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, was established in 1996 with a singular mission: to empower survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation, and to advocate for systemic change to end these practices. Founded by Vednita Carter, herself a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation, Breaking Free emerged as a beacon of hope in a landscape where the voices of survivors were often marginalized or ignored. The organization was founded with an Afrocentric model, aiming to provide support specifically tailored to Black girls and women who have been forced into trafficking. Breaking Free became a vital resource within marginalized communities, offering essential services such as housing assistance as a first step in combatting sexual exploitation.
Throughout the early 2000s, Breaking Free experienced significant growth, expanding its reach and services to meet the needs of an increasing number of survivors seeking assistance. The organization forged partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, social service providers, and community organizations to enhance its effectiveness in combating sexual exploitation and supporting survivors.
During this period, Breaking Free also became a leading voice in the fight against sex exploitation at local forums. Through advocacy efforts, Breaking Free worked to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual exploitation, push for stronger legislation to protect survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The 2010s marked a period of programmatic innovation and development for Breaking Free. Recognizing the complex needs of survivors, the organization expanded its service offerings to include specialized programs for housing, trauma-informed care, group support through Breaking Free’s Sisters of Survival, and economic empowerment.
Breaking Free also embraced technology and digital outreach strategies to connect with survivors and raise awareness about sex trafficking in the digital age. The organization launched online resources, webinars, and social media campaigns to reach a wider audience and engage with supporters and stakeholders.
In 2022, Breaking Free welcomed Lori Quist as its new Executive Director. With her wealth of experience in law enforcement and working with those who have experienced gender-based violence along with her dedication to the organization's mission, Quist brings fresh perspectives and strategic vision to guide Breaking Free into its next chapter of growth and impact. Under her leadership, Breaking Free continues to empower survivors, transform communities, and advocate for a world free from sex trafficking and exploitation.
As Breaking Free nears its third decade of operation, it remains committed to its founding principles of empowerment, advocacy, and social justice. The organization continues to evolve its programs and services to meet the evolving needs of survivors and communities affected by sex trafficking.
As Breaking Free evolved, it remained committed to its mission while recognizing the importance of inclusivity and intersectionality in addressing sex trafficking. The organization expanded its approach to encompass a more inclusive intersectional model, aiming to reach victims from different cultural backgrounds and gender identities. This shift allowed Breaking Free to better serve a diverse range of survivors while continuing to advocate for the rights and dignity of all individuals affected by exploitation. This commitment to inclusivity and intersectionality informs all aspects of Breaking Free's work, from service delivery to advocacy efforts, ensuring that survivors receive comprehensive support that respects their identities and empowers them to reclaim their lives.
Breaking Free continues to lead innovative initiatives aimed at addressing sex trafficking and supporting survivors. Among its current endeavors, Breaking Free is proud to sponsor the Coalition of the Abolition of Prostitution (CAP) International's 4th World Congress in Montreal, a gathering of international experts, activists, and policymakers dedicated to combating the exploitation of individuals in the sex trade. By participating in this global forum, Breaking Free seeks to exchange knowledge, best practices, and strategies for advancing the rights and well-being of survivors worldwide.
In addition to its global engagement, Breaking Free has embarked on a groundbreaking pilot program in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies. Drawing inspiration from successful models used to identify and support domestic violence victims, Breaking Free is spearheading a training program to equip law enforcement officers with the tools and techniques needed to recognize potential victims of sex trafficking and intervene effectively.
This program builds upon law enforcement's existing expertise in assessing lethality and risk factors, leveraging a similar line of questioning to identify individuals at risk of exploitation. Through specialized training, officers will learn to identify signs of trafficking, engage with potential victims in a trauma-informed manner, and connect them with vital support services. By integrating this survivor-centered approach into law enforcement practices, Breaking Free aims to enhance responses to sex trafficking and improve outcomes for individuals at risk of exploitation.
Breaking Free remains deeply committed to supporting survivors of sex trafficking by maintaining an organization that is driven and employed by those who have experienced exploitation firsthand. Central to Breaking Free's approach is the empowerment and leadership of survivors themselves. The organization proudly welcomes survivors into advocacy roles, leadership positions, and board memberships, ensuring that their voices and experiences shape every aspect of its work.
Survivor-driven advocacy within Breaking Free not only amplifies the voices of those directly impacted by sex trafficking but also fosters a sense of community, solidarity, and resilience among survivors. By providing opportunities for survivors to reclaim their agency, build skills, and advocate for systemic change, Breaking Free empowers individuals to become agents of their own liberation and champions of justice in their communities.
Moreover, the inclusion of survivors in advocacy and leadership roles along with governance structures ensures that Breaking Free remains grounded in the realities and needs of those it serves. By elevating survivor perspectives at all levels of decision-making, the organization strengthens its effectiveness, relevance, and impact in addressing the complex challenges of sex trafficking.
As Breaking Free continues to evolve and expand its initiatives, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to survivor empowerment, leadership, and representation. By centering the voices and experiences of survivors, Breaking Free not only transforms individual lives but also drives systemic change and fosters a more just and equitable society for all.
Looking ahead, Breaking Free aims to deepen its impact through strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and sustained advocacy efforts. By amplifying the voices of survivors, challenging societal norms, and fostering community resilience, Breaking Free envisions a future where sex trafficking is eradicated, and all individuals can live free from exploitation and abuse.
Copyright © 2024 Breaking Free - All Rights Reserved.
Breaking Free is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donation is tax deductible. Federal Tax ID 41-1856806
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