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Learn more about The Defender Foundation

+++ Mission Statement +++

"To Defend the Defenseless and those Lost in Darkness; to Combat Human Trafficking and Resulting Addictions that Enslave the Mind, Body and Spirit"

Human trafficking has developed into the 2nd largest criminal enterprise in the world, with an estimated 27 million people currently enslaved worldwide.   Victims include men, women and children in labor servitude, private ownership and in sexual services.  The majority, approximately 80%, of the victims are women and children bought, sold and imprisoned in the underground sexual service industry. This industry targets and exploits under represented classes of people and markets their bodies to the desires of a growing demand class. The average age of the victims is 14-18 and the average "shelf life" is 3-7 years, so by 17-21 years of age these women and youths are either found dead from attack, abuse, HIV or other sexually transmitted dieses, mal-nutrition and/or over dose,  or from taking their own lives.  This 3 year span of time of which to act and rescue within, is consistent with all reporting worldwide.  It is a narrow sliver of opportunity from which to identify, rescue and rehabilitate a victim, but it is not impossible.  When people are informed, trained and guided on warning signals of trafficking it makes the traffickers' conquests all the more difficult. Here lies the importance of the peoples' response to this injustice-the victims need your attention, they need your support and they most importantly need your informed action! Do more then just donate! Our organization has chosen to make it our mission to help guide you in your understanding of this important global issue by providing you with educational materials and resources, which you will find throughout the tabs on this site, and by offering you the opportunity to join us and give the victims your action. 

Please explore the information provided here, and if possible attend one of our meetings either at our local chapter, Jacksonville, FL, or at one of our other mission sites, schedules will be constantly updated on the site so keep checking for activity in your area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

The Defender Foundation is composed of a Board reflecting various dynamics and skills all working together in furtherance of a united mission.

Erin Pruett and Dan Benedict are the Co Chairs of The Defender Foundation. Erin is over the corporate and volunteer side of The Defender Foundation, while Dan is over the Shield Team side.

David Vartanian is the Senior Vice Chair and has an extensive history of volunteer service and crisis youth assistance. 

Dr. Megan Wilson is a Vice Presidents of the board.

Stay tuned for updated bios of our Board Members.

An Oversight Committee of Non-Defender Foundation members consisting of Business professionals, Ministers and Law Enforcement Professionals review all Shield Team Cases every Three Months minimum.

At this time, no one involved with the Defender Foundation is paid or receives funds for their service, everyone serves as a volunteer.

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Questions and Answers with the Defender Foundation

I. What is The Defender Foundation?

We are a not for profit 501(c)3, Non‐Governmental Organization (NGO) formed to fight human trafficking. 

II. What is an NGO?

A non-governmental organization (NGO) is any non-profit, voluntary citizens' group which is organized on a local, national or international level. Task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest, NGOs perform a variety of service and humanitarian functions, bring citizen concerns to Governments, advocate and monitor policies and encourage political participation through provision of information. Some are organized around specific issues, such as human rights, environment or health. They provide analysis and expertise, serve as early warning mechanisms and help monitor and implement international agreements. 

Defender's "common interest" is to eradicate Human Trafficking by:

 

Raising Awareness
Providing Resources for Victims
Retrieving Victims

Delivering Victims to Safe Housing and Provide Continuing Care
Assisting with the Arrest and Prosecution of Human Trafficking Criminals

III. Who Created The Defender Foundation?


Dan Benedict and 5 other initial board members.
Our board has a varied background to include ex-military and ex-law enforcement, ministry, practicing psychologist specializing in abuse victims and post graduate students majoring in Counseling..

Any agency or NGO wanting to work with or partner with The Defender Foundation, Inc. can inquire through our Open Book Policy as to the full backgrounds of the board members and their qualifications.

IV. Why was the Foundation formed?

We found out about the problem.
We were inspired by the actions of others.
We found out that the problem is here in our own backyard.
We knew that being a bystander was not an option.

V. What is the purpose or goal of Defender?

To be an advocate in every sense of the word.
Prevent
Provide
Raise Awareness
Prosecute
AND
To support other NGOs and Agencies involved in Human Trafficking.

                   Prevent.


Educating organizations, ministries and education systems who have local and/or overseas impact. These organizations will educate the sources where victims are cultivated.

                     Provide.


24 hour Victim Transport and Tip Line for Victims, Statewide.
Statewide Pickup Service.
Plug the victims in with care provider agencies, Law Enforcement and follow up services.
Raise Awareness.
Written and visual media.
Support of other NGOs.
Education of membership base as they become force multipliers.

                   Prosecute.


Our goal is that every rescue, results in a prosecution.
We will alert all relevant law enforcement agencies and work with the victims' in securing their testimonies, to result in prosecution of Human Traffickers and those that would buy, sell or sexually exploit the victims.

                 Support other NGO's.


The Defender Foundation seeks to be an NGO distinguished by its comrade service to other NGOs.

Volunteer projects for members.
Training.
Sharing of resources.

 

It is the stated GOAL of The Defender Foundation that every rescue results in a prosecution. No, this problem will not seize with a single prosecution or one lone mission, but it is our opinion, that one victim is worth every effort it took to rescue them and every single victim is a furtherance of the cause.

 However, with every rescue a potential prosecution of a Trafficker is made possible.

 

 

Send mail to admin@thedefenderfoundation.org with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 05/16/12