"This is the DNA of our community, healing women." Sr. Terry Gauvin of the Good Shepherd Sisters of Quebec helps shepherd the anti-trafficking program CourageLIVES in the Diocese of Portland, Maine.
During a Dec. 2 webinar, those involved in efforts to end human trafficking fear that the global pandemic and resulting lockdowns are increasing the numbers of people forced into trafficking.
Experts including sisters discussed people's increased vulnerability to exploitation by traffickers, during a symposium sponsored by the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See, held at the International Union of Superiors General in Rome.
To address the many crises of women struggling in trafficking and the street-based sex trade, one Lutheran church and four Catholic women religious congregations formed a faith-based partnership.