By Montia Daniels, Contributing Writer Journalists have a unique ability to gain the trust of individuals and encourage them to tell their stories. However, it isn’t always easy. Stories related to trauma and harm, like human trafficking, can be especially … Read more
The Irina Project (TIP) condemns the March 16 shootings at three Atlanta massage businesses and mourns their victims: Xiaojie Tan, 49; Daoyou Feng, 44; Hyun Jung Grant, 51; Soon Chung Park, 74; Suncha Kim, 69; Yong Ae Yue, 63; Delania … Read more
By Emily Hagstrom, Contributing Writer If there’s a point at which we can count on media to cover human trafficking in the United States, particularly sex trafficking, it’s in the days leading up to Super Bowl Sunday. I’d wager that … Read more
By Emily Hagstrom, Contributing Writer A few summers ago, I was driving through my hometown of Hendersonville, North Carolina, with the radio blasting. When a commercial break interrupted my singing, I was ready to change the station. But as my … Read more
By Emily Hagstrom, Contributing Writer On July 8, Jeffrey Epstein, one of the most powerful financiers in the United States, was arrested and charged with sex trafficking and conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking. His alleged victims? Children—girls as young … Read more
By Angela R. Clark My first year in high school, I fell in love with Journalism 101. I loved the idea that there was an entire profession devoted to telling an unbiased truth. I was especially captivated by the notion … Read more
By Kelly Twedell Based on the many harrowing news reports about human trafficking and sexual violence, one might wonder why victims don’t just ask for help, or why they don’t come forward to give impact statements to police upon an … Read more
By Lisa Long Between July 2016 and June 2017, Cumberland County, North Carolina, had 27 human trafficking-related cases, exceeding the number of cases in nearby counties, including Wake County, which has a population three times greater than that of Cumberland. … Read more
By Erin Coyle Following recent undercover operations targeting prostitution in North Carolina and Florida, law enforcement authorities in those states posted to their social media accounts booking photographs—“mug shots”—of individuals swept up in the stings, inviting the public to add … Read more
By Dr. Barbara Barnett, Contributing Writer For journalists telling the stories of individuals trafficked into forced prostitution, one of the challenges is crafting a narrative that accurately characterizes the physical danger and emotional abuse victims experience. These narrative choices can … Read more
