Legal nonprofit aids trafficking victims in clearing criminal records.
The United States is plagued by a high number of human trafficking cases, with sex trafficking accounting for over half of them. However, the victims of these heinous crimes often face an additional burden—a criminal record that follows them for life. This record includes offenses such as drug possession, theft, or prostitution, which were forced upon them by their captors.
Fortunately, there are organizations dedicated to helping these victims legally erase these criminal consequences. One such organization is the Joseph Project, based in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Their mission is to assist trafficking victims in removing the barriers imposed by their criminal records, allowing them to secure good jobs, engage in politics, own firearms, obtain legal immigration status, and ultimately, rid their lives of the shame associated with their experiences.
A Voice in the Justice System
The Joseph Project provides these women with legal counsel, giving them a stronger voice in the criminal justice system. According to Nate Knapper, the founder and CEO of the organization, the courts have shown great sympathy towards these women. With legal representation, they have a higher chance of winning their cases and securing a brighter future.
Joseph Project, through the dedication of criminal law attorneys who volunteer their time and expertise, has successfully cleared or expunged the criminal records of over 300 trafficking victims since 2018.
Challenging Misconceptions
Kelsey Dane, an attorney with Joseph Project, emphasizes that many people hold misconceptions and lack sympathy towards these women, assuming they made bad decisions or willingly got involved in trafficking. However, Dane asserts that this is rarely the case. These women often come from difficult backgrounds, and traffickers skillfully exploit their vulnerabilities.
One notable success story is Leslie King, who became the first trafficking victim in Michigan to receive a gubernatorial pardon. This pardon, granted just days before Christmas, brought immense relief to King, who had endured sexual exploitation, violence, and drug addiction for two decades.
Leslie King shared her experience, stating, “I couldn’t do anything but throw my hands up to God and scream. And I felt that ball just break off my ankle. I’m free. I’m totally free.” She now dedicates her life to counseling and supporting other women who have faced similar traumas.
While obtaining a gubernatorial pardon is unlikely for most sex trafficking victims seeking to expunge their criminal records, Leslie King’s victory, made possible by the legal work of Joseph Project’s attorneys, serves as a beacon of hope. The organization draws inspiration from the biblical account of Joseph, a survivor who transformed from exploitation to empowerment.
Nate Knapper reveals that the clients of Joseph Project span a wide age range, from teenagers to individuals in their sixties. While their ethnic backgrounds may differ, they share a common vulnerability resulting from broken families and struggles with drug addiction.
In addition to Leslie King, other beneficiaries of Joseph Project’s legal assistance have become passionate advocates for change. Ruth Rondon, a survivor of trafficking, shared her personal story and court victory with Michigan legislators, highlighting the broken system and lack of resources faced by victims.
Uniting for a Solution
Joseph Project has been fortunate to receive pro bono support from attorneys at small, medium, and large law firms. Kelsey Dane, who worked on the Rondon case, explains that she was drawn to the organization because of its mission to help people. Her involvement has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in her legal career.
Nate Knapper, an attorney and federal law enforcement officer, believes that awareness of human trafficking is increasing due to media coverage and the success of the movie ”Sound of Freedom.” However, he emphasizes that closing the border is just one part of the solution and that there are still many misconceptions surrounding the issue.
How can individuals in society challenge misconceptions and increase awareness about human trafficking in order to support and empower survivors
Omen who have experienced trafficking, using her own story of recovery as a source of inspiration.
The Need for Continued Support
While organizations like the Joseph Project are making significant strides in helping trafficking victims clear their criminal records, there is still much work to be done. The United States needs to prioritize the removal of these unjust barriers for survivors of trafficking, enabling them to rebuild their lives without the constant reminder of their past.
Furthermore, it is crucial that the public is educated about the realities of human trafficking and the nuances of victimization. By challenging misconceptions and increasing awareness, we can create a society that supports and empowers survivors rather than stigmatizing them.
A Call to Action
As concerned citizens, it is our responsibility to advocate for the rights of trafficking victims and support organizations like the Joseph Project in their crucial work. We can do this by donating our time, resources, or expertise, as well as by spreading awareness within our communities.
Together, we can help survivors of trafficking overcome the challenges they face and create a society that prioritizes empathy, justice, and the opportunity for a second chance.
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