Together we can do what we can’t do alone.
LDM partners with Iempathize, IJM (International Justice Mission), Love 146, Wellspring, Compassion International, and the Human Trafficking Task Force of Southern Colorado.
Modern Day Slavery and Emotional Shattering
The more a person knows about the reality of human trafficking, the more they come to understand the emotional toll of this brutal crime. If the person undergoing severe, repeated trauma is a young child, they usually dissociate, which means their conscious mind recedes so that they are not aware of what is happening. The memories of the event are stored in a part of the mind that is not readily accessible to them.(1) In order to survive, they may develop DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder).(2) For older children, seven years and above, and adults, their abuse will likely result in PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder).(3)
In both cases, the aftermath of their hideous experiences requires healing from emotional shattering. This involves a caring, healthy community as well as a competent counselor who understands dissociative issues.
(1) One study showed that 77% of women who have been abused had times when they could only remember parts of their abuse or else they couldn’t remember it at all… Initially, it might seem strange that someone cannot remember the most traumatic incident in her life, but these traumas are too much for a little girl to handle. Dissociation can be helpful in keeping the child from consciously experiencing the trauma; it can be a gift of protection from God to keep little children from going mad in situations where escape is impossible. (Sexual Abuse: An Introduction for Lay-Counselors, by Dr. Joann Roof, 2007)
(2) Dissociative Identity Disorder is associated with severe psychological stress in childhood, most often ritualistic sexual or physical abuse. The primary characteristic of this disorder is the existence of more than one distinct identity or personality within the same individual. (DSM-IV)
(3) Post-traumatic Stress Disorder always follows a traumatic event which causes intense fear and/or helplessness in an individual. Symptoms include re-experiencing the trauma through nightmares, obsessive thoughts, and flashbacks (feeling as if you are actually in the traumatic situation again). (DSM-IV)
C.A.T. – Christians Against Trafficking
C.A.T. Articles
- 50 Children Rescued
- Those who are Trafficked right from Home–“Strings Attached”
India is Trying to Obliterate Temple Prostitution
This movement is due in large part to the effort of Amy Carmichael, a missionary from England to India. She went to minister to women but the Lord led her to rescue young girls from forced prostitution. She began an orphanage to care for these dear ones. Please click on these links to find out more:
Human Trafficking in Colorado (Even though this report is from 2007, it still contains valuable information.)
If You Missed the Dessert Dash Fundraiser…
…you can still donate to LDM’s worthy cause of training workers to minister to the deeply shattered–by shopping for chocolate!
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All Bellafina Chocolates net proceeds, after covering expenses, are dedicated to charities helping children threatened by disease, poverty, abuse, or neglect. Just click here for bellafinachocolates.com and enter code LYDIA at checkout. Thank you!
