Anti-Human Trafficking
Direct assistance for victims of human trafficking
About
Through our Anti-Human Trafficking Program's strong presence since 2009, we are dedicated to supporting survivors of sex and labor trafficking in their journey towards healing and independence. As a Diocesan wide program, we serve individuals of all ages, providing comprehensive case management and housing services throughout our 10 counties. Our program takes a holistic approach, addressing the diverse needs of survivors to ensure their well-being and successful reintegration into society. We understand the importance of access to essential services, which is why we offer assistance with a variety of services and needs. Our transitional housing component offers a safe haven for up to six families or individuals, providing a supportive environment during their transition. Additionally, we assist clients in securing long-term housing by offering rental support for permanent residences. We are committed to walking alongside survivors, offering them the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives and reclaim their autonomy. Together, let us continue to fight against human trafficking and create a world where all individuals can live free from exploitation and abuse.
Program Overview
Eligibility
Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc. Anti-Human Trafficking Assistance has a long-standing commitment to the plight of human trafficking in Southwest Florida by providing intensive case management and mental health counseling to all individuals who are the victims of this crime as they attempt to integrate into society after being rescued.
The Catholic Charities Anti-Human Trafficking Assistance team works closely with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors throughout Southwest Florida to provide and coordinate an expansive array of services to survivors from basic human needs to legal representation. The Catholic Charities Anti-Human Trafficking Assistance program offers comprehensive case management and direct assistance to all victims of severe human trafficking, which include minors, adults, and both domestic and foreign-born individuals. The program offers a victim-centered approach to delivering aid to clients while maintaining a mission of compassion, integrity, and empathy.
The program provides victims with the following services:
• Provision of food and clothing
• Coordination to a shelter at a safe distance from the site of the exploitation
• Transitional housing
• Coordination of medical and dental services
• Referral to mental health counseling and further mental health services as needed
• Orientation to state and federal laws and benefits
• Assistance with benefit applications
• Coordination of educational and ESOL services
• Liaison with law enforcement and immigration service providers
• Coordination with various community agencies for other required services
The Catholic Charities Anti-Human Trafficking Assistance program serves victims of the various forms of trafficking. Our clients can be foreign-born individuals or domestic victims such as runaway minors. Catholic Charities staff is active in various organizations that coordinate efforts to combat human trafficking and to inform the public about this heinous crime. Catholic Charities staff welcomes the opportunity to provide presentations to groups about the local reality of human trafficking as well as our program of assistance to victims.
Main phone line for program: (239) 738-8722
Translation available at this location: Spanish
For services such as Economic Empowerment, Transitional Housing, Long term housing assistance, and intensive case management, please call our main number.
Please call 911, the national hotline human trafficking hotline 1-888-373-7888, or local law enforcement to report a crime or to investigate suspicion of human trafficking.
Success Stories
Client that was part of a labor trafficking case in Florida, where he was victimized through exploitation and multiple forms of physical and emotional abuse. The client’s family was also victimized through threats by the traffickers. Client engaged in services with CCDOV after being rescued from his trafficking situation. He was assisted in obtaining advocacy services, legal representation, aid with mental health symptoms, as well as his personal documentation, which had been taken from him. The day he received his true documentation, marked a positive change for this client as he finally became himself. In the past year, he has kept a job, engages in mental health counseling, collaborated with law enforcement and he is attending English classes. The client has been diligent and has accomplished many of his goals. His goal is to go back to school and get a degree in computer science. I am confident that in a few years, he will speak English fluently and will be able to have a successful career.
94 Survivors Served Past Year