The SOAP Project is focused on preventing teens from being victimized by domestic sex trafficking and to provide trafficked survivors with restorative services.
The average age of entry into human trafficking is 12-14 years old. It is often called “prostitution,” however, if a person is under 18 years old and is involved in commercial sex, they are being trafficked. If the person is over 18 years old and working for a pimp, they are being trafficked. Most sex trafficking occurs in hotels and motels and goes un-noticed by the guests and staff who are unaware of the signs to look for.
Major sporting events increase the demand for sex-for-sale as they draw large crowds of people - particularly men. SOAP focuses their outreaches and rescue efforts on these events.
Victims of sex trafficking have a 30% higher chance of death by murder, overdose, or suicide than the average person. Of all the adults involved in prostitution, 77% report being trafficked as a child.
The SOAP Project
Theresa Flores
Theresa has been instrumental in the battle against sex trafficking. She has testified before the Senate and House for several states, and as an expert in the field has been pivotal in changing laws across the country. The "Theresa Flores Law" has removed the statute of limitations for any trafficked or sexually exploited victim, making Michigan the only state in the U.S. that a person can prosecute their offenders at any time they are ready.
She is frequently a keynote speaker for conferences and fundraisers and has been interviewed on numerous national television shows.
Outreaches
The SOAP Project Outreach is a unique, hands-on community program that allows groups of any size to help fight sex trafficking locally and work to recover victims. Sex trafficking occurs in both poverty-stricken urban area motels as well as in upscale suburban hotels. With that in mind, we aim to educate those working in these locations on the signs of trafficking, arm them with the resources to fight it, and give victims a way out.
Some people get involved simply by purchasing and labeling bars of soap for us. Others receive training so they can host and operate outreaches as an independent SOAP Chapter, and some join in the group efforts with Theresa at one of the major sporting events.
Survivor Wellness Weekend
The Wellness Weekend offers a safe place for adult survivors of sex trafficking to heal. We provide survivors a weekend to engage with others who have had similar experiences. Intensive workshops at the retreat are offered to heal mind, body and soul and allow for healing specific issues associated with various unresolved traumas.
They are held around the country and are free of charge, including transportation. We offer activities such as self defense, therapeutic art, yoga, and pampering. We offer sessions on forgiveness, how to trust, healthy relationships and boundaries.