News

The Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking (BCAT), a project of NOVA, will hold its quarterly meeting virtually on January 24 from 6 – 7 p.m. At this meeting, Dr. Heather Evans, a licensed social worker and author, will present The Voices of Survivors Project. The presentation features survivors of human trafficking and other forms of violence communicating their experiences through the medium of photography. 

The Voices of Survivors Project allows survivors of human sex trafficking or other forms of violence to express their experiences through photography. The project originated from a dissertation study conducted to directly highlight the voices of survivors and their experiences, especially after they were separated from the trafficker. There will be a virtual walk-through of the The Voices of Survivors Project photo exhibit and an opportunity to ask Evans questions about the photos.

The public is invited to take part in the event to learn more about the experiences of human trafficking survivors through their own photography.

Dr. Heather Evans has over 20 years of experience in providing therapy to victims of sexual trauma and sex trafficking. She is the Co-Founder of Valley Against Sex Trafficking (vast.ngo), in Allentown, PA, and is an adjunct professor at the Global Trauma Recovery Institute at Missio Seminary (https://missio.edu), located in Philadelphia. Evans also trains trauma healing caregivers, both nationally and internationally.
                                                       

According the Department of Homeland Security, human trafficking is the “…use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor” either commercial or sex work. 

The United Nations reports that human trafficking is a $8-10 billion-dollar industry. In the U.S., the Urban Institute estimates that money made in the commercial sex trade in several major U.S. cities ranges from $39 to $290 million annually. Most victims of human trafficking are females, both adults and those under the age of 18. Boys, men, and gender minorities can become victims of human trafficking, as well. What these facts don’t tell is the toll borne by the victims, many of whom are physically and sexually abused, not allowed access to money or identification documents and lacking knowledge about their whereabouts. 

“There is hope that it is possible to see beauty even in the midst of the horrific things that have happened. If we can see beauty, then we can communicate beauty, because pictures are a form of communication. Then if we communicate beauty, that creates hope and hope then gives us the ability to take another step into the future," Grace, participant in The Voices of Survivors Project.

About NOVA

NOVA supports, counsels and empowers victims of sexual assault and other serious crimes in Bucks County and works to prevent and eliminate violence in society through advocacy, training, community education and prevention programs. Founded in 1974, NOVA is a non-profit 501(c)(3), community-based organization operating out of three offices in Fairless Hills, Jamison and Perkasie. Services are made possible through the financial support of federal, state and local government grants and contracts, corporations, foundations and private donations. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. For more information, visit www.NOVABucks.org.

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Image and caption courtesy of NOVA:

Dr. Heather Evans, a licensed social worker and author will present The Voices of Survivors Project photography exhibit at the Bucks Coalition Against Trafficking (BCAT) quarterly meeting on January 24.