Wondering what to do after watching Sound of Freedom?

We’ve been getting questions about the movie, Sound of Freedom, and imagine you may have seen it too. The movie follows the journey of a former Homeland Security agent who initiates sting operations in foreign countries to find and recover children from sex trafficking. Here are some takeaways we’d like to share after watching the film: 

1. Increased awareness of sex trafficking is good and should always center the voices and experiences of survivors. 

The more people that know about the issue of sex trafficking, the more likely we are to build momentum toward real change. That’s why we think it’s important to learn from those who have experienced trafficking firsthand and can speak to the most promising practices in the effort to end sex trafficking. Here are a few organizations and accounts we recommend you follow to keep learning about this issue:

• Organization for Prostitution Survivors

• Washington Trafficking Prevention

• Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative

• Rebecca Bender Initiative

• Rachel Thomas

• World Without Exploitation

2. The film is a great conversation starter, let’s not stop there. 

There is much more to understand about the realities of sex trafficking (and how to safely intervene) than was shared through the film. We can help fill in the information gaps at our virtual REST Training Day, open to all community members who want to learn more about this issue and find a way to engage. This training is offered quarterly.

3. Trafficking of children (and adults) happens worldwide, including here in the United States.

An estimated 500-700 youth and likely even more adults are trafficked in the sex trade in King County, WA. Over 600 individuals engage with REST for services each year. The majority are from the area, and many were trafficked for the first time by a parent or family member. By offering financial support or getting involved with REST or other local organizations that combat human trafficking, you can make a meaningful difference!

4. Efforts to address sex trafficking should never put victims in harm’s way and should always ensure adequate long-term safety and recovery support is in place.

While undercover stings can be portrayed as effective, the work to identify victims of trafficking, help them get to safety, and ensure they have access to the long-term resources and support they need requires significant time and resources. Even when reunited with family, or finally in a safe place to sleep at night, the journey of recovery is filled with peaks and valleys, and getting away from a trafficker is just one step in that long journey. It’s critical to ensure holistic supports are set up for the long haul.

By partnering with REST, you are contributing to the holistic support that enables victims and survivors of sex trafficking to find safety and find their pathways to freedom, safety, and hope, no matter how long it takes.

A Safe Place to Call Home

At REST, we know that safe and stable housing is a critical piece of the puzzle when recovering from trafficking and building economic independence. In 2012 we opened our first transitional housing – REST House South. On Wednesday, November 16, we celebrated the opening of our second house, REST House North, with a ribbon cutting and open house.

REST House North was made possible through a collaboration with Compass Housing Alliance, who invited REST to take over management of the house, and dedicated funding from The Jensen Project. In December 2021, REST held a fundraiser to cover additional costs to remodel and furnish the new living spaces. Now it is ready to welcome the first residents.

“Dozens of volunteers have donated labor to help with the flooring and the painting. It’s just been a real team effort. Our staff has really come together to make sure this feels like home.”

— Amanda Hightower, REST Executive Director

The ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house drew together donors, supporters, volunteers, staff, and survivors, including Cassie, who will be moving into REST House North.

“Anyone’s journey to REST can be complicated. The vulnerability that comes with accepting yourself as an agent for your own destiny is a lot. Learning responsibility, accountability, and more while grasping at stability......emotions are running high. REST makes sure you don’t have to be alone.”

— Cassie, Future REST House North Resident

REST Community Services Supervisor Jessica Clayton believes safety, support, and stability are factors whose importance cannot be overstated.

“I see more than just a collection of walls, rooms, and roof. I see infinite opportunities. I see a place, not just to rest but to grow, a safe haven and a chance for stability. It is my hope and belief that all those who work with us see the same too.”

— Jessica Clayton, Community Services Supervisor

REST House North and South are completely furnished with a total of 11 beds for adults ages 18 and older of all genders to stay rent-free for up to a year while they work on their personal goals and access supportive services through REST and other community partners. 

REST House North has five private bedrooms giving each survivor-resident the privacy and security they need to rest, recover, and stabilize. The rest of the house is a communal living space that includes a kitchen, dining area, upper and lower living rooms, bathrooms, and an office/craft room. 

While living in either house, residents can work with REST Housing Specialists to prepare for a future transition into permanent housing. They also have access to REST’s services, including intensive case management, employment services, peer support, and more.

“It is impossible to gain or maintain employment, address mental health or substance use needs, or pursue any other goals without the safety of a secure location to call home.”

— Audrey Baedke, Director of Programs