You don’t have to live in a big city or work in law enforcement to make a difference in the fight against trafficking. Some of the most powerful change begins in quiet, faithful support.

Here are 5 ways you can help today:

1. Pray with purpose. Ask God to bring protection, healing, and open doors for women currently trapped in exploitation.

2. Educate yourself and others. Read trusted resources like The Network and Shared Hope International to understand how trafficking works in your own community.

3. Support a survivor-focused ministry. Your donation helps provide essentials, legal advocacy, and emotional care.

4. Volunteer your gifts. Whether you’re organized, artistic, or great at administration—there’s a place for you to serve. Start here: Volunteer Interest Form.

5. Speak up with compassion. Share articles like What Is the Illicit Massage Industry or infographics from Polaris Project in your church or workplace.

Your voice matters. Your support matters. And together, we can bring light into some of the darkest places.

We often imagine that hope lives in clean spaces, in fresh starts and peaceful mornings. But the truth is—hope shows up in dark rooms too.

At Bringing Hope, we meet women who are weary, afraid, and unsure if anyone sees them. Many have been tricked, abused, or silenced. And yet… even in those places, God’s presence remains.

One of our favorite reminders comes from Psalm 34:18:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

We believe this deeply. We’ve seen light break through shame. We’ve seen tears of fear become tears of relief. And it doesn’t always happen all at once—but it begins with presence. A gentle voice. A prayer offered. A moment of trust.

If you’re praying for women in the illicit massage industry, pray for courage. Pray for safety. And pray that each woman would know she is not alone.

Want to volunteer with us or learn how to pray intentionally for this work? We would be honored to walk with you.

When we think of human trafficking, most of us picture something distant or dramatic. But one of the most widespread and hidden forms of trafficking in the U.S. exists behind storefront windows on everyday streets: the illicit massage industry (IMI).

Illicit massage businesses (IMBs) often pose as legitimate spas, but inside, vulnerable women—mostly immigrants—are being exploited. Controlled through debt, fear, and manipulation, many are forced to live and work under abusive conditions with little hope of escape.

It’s estimated that there are over 13,000 IMBs across all 50 states, generating more than $5 billion annually in illicit profits. That’s more locations than McDonald’s—and yet, few people recognize this form of trafficking for what it is.

At Bringing Hope Ministries, we exist to reach women trapped in these systems with safety, compassion, and the love of Christ. We offer legal advocacy, emotional support, and a path toward healing.

Want to learn more? Explore The Network or Polaris Project for more data and insight on how the IMI works—and how it’s being dismantled.

Victims Often Punished as Human Trafficking Goes Unchecked

Across the United States, thousands of women — many of them immigrants — are being trafficked in illicit massage businesses, where they endure coercion, exploitation, and even rape. Yet, despite the severity of these crimes, authorities often fail to hold perpetrators accountable. Instead, the women are frequently arrested, fined, or left without protection.

This issue was brought to light in a powerful investigation by Lee Enterprises, which uncovered a broken system where women are criminalized while organized trafficking rings go largely untouched.

The Hidden Horrors

One deputy in Texas reviewed surveillance footage that revealed repeated assaults on women — including forcible rape. In many cases, victims refused to testify due to fear or lack of trust in the system, resulting in no prosecution. In Los Angeles and New York, women shared stories of being forced into sex acts, physically assaulted, or denied pay by their employers — often while their bosses watched and did nothing.

Why Justice Rarely Comes

Experts say many law enforcement agencies do not prioritize these cases because they are complex and labor-intensive. Prosecutors often avoid them, claiming they’re too difficult to win. As a result, victims are left vulnerable, and traffickers continue to operate with impunity.

In some jurisdictions, the response is to arrest the women — not their exploiters. In one case, 21 women were arrested in a sting operation, yet nearly all were victims themselves. Most had their charges dropped or received small fines, while the businesses continued to operate.

The Need for a Better Approach

Instead of focusing on punishing victims, cities like Denver are demonstrating what real change looks like. By targeting traffickers through financial investigations, property tracking, and licensing enforcement, they’re dismantling networks from the top down. These operations take months — even years — but they lead to meaningful justice.

What We Can Learn

This investigation makes one truth heartbreakingly clear: victims of human trafficking need protection, not punishment. Law enforcement and community organizations must shift their focus from arresting women to building pathways for escape, healing, and justice.

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If you or someone you know is being exploited, help is available.

Contact Bringing Hope — we’re here to listen, support, and walk with you toward freedom.

Source: Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism. Full investigation: “Victims Often Punished as Human Trafficking Goes Unchecked” (April 30, 2025).