This is the story of an ordinary girl. “Gloria” is young and intelligent, but her poor neighborhood in the Philippines holds little opportunity. She hears of a job as a domestic helper in the United States. Gloria signs up with an employment company, which loans her the money for airfare. As soon as the plane touches down in Los Angeles, her nightmare begins.

Someone from the so-called employment company drags Gloria to a cramped apartment where she will live with nine other girls. Her passport is confiscated. She is threatened with physical violence and told if she tries to escape the police will arrest her. Gloria is ordered to have sex with men for money in order to repay her debt. If she disobeys, she will be fined and forced to service even more men. The abuse is never-ending, and her days are filled with pain and despair.

Unfortunately, Gloria’s story is not unique. It is the story of hundreds of thousands of women and girls who are tricked or forced against • their will into the web of sexual slavery. Each year, between 8oo,ooo and 900,000 people—80 percent of whom are women and girls—are trafficked across international borders. An estimated 75 percent of all — victims are trafficked for sexual exploitation, suffering horrific physical, psychological and sexual abuse. Currently, about two million women and children are held in sexual servitude around the world, although many believe the actual number may be io times higher.

Sexual slavery perpetuates a culture of violence, destroys communities and families, fuels organized crime, and ruins lives.

These women and girls are not anonymous, faceless victims: thsomeone’s daughters, sisters, mothers and friends. Enslaved in cornmunities throughout the world, they need your help.

What can you do to combat sexual slavery and help women and girls like Gloria?
• Learn more about sexual slavery, the complex reasons it exists, and warning signs it may be happening in your community.
• Raise awareness about sexual slavery as a local and national concern.
• Advocate for tougher laws and stronger anti-sexual slavery Law enforcement.
• Work to ensure that all women and girls are valued and respected.
• Join an organization that works to end the sexual trafficking of women and girls.