What is STOP?

STOP stands for Stop Trafficking Of People. STOP is an international humanitarian organization devoted to fighting the sex slave trade and to assisting victims of sex.

What does STOP do?

STOP’s Field Offices and Support Centers liaise with local authorities,  encouraging them to rescue victims who have been trafficked and to arrest traffickers. Our Field Offices and Support Centers also provide comprehensive services to victims of sex trafficking, including medical and psychological assistance, as well as access to job and language training. STOP collaborates with national and local officials to raise awareness about the many aspects of trafficking. STOP offices are resource centers for anyone with any questions regarding sex trafficking, or anyone who has been offered a job abroad and is suspicious about its validity.

Where does STOP work?

STOP will simultaneously open a Field Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Support Centers in the regional countries (Moldova, Ukraine, and Romania) from which victims have been enticed or abducted. STOP will later expand to West Africa and South East Asia.

What do STOP’s Field Offices do, and where are they located?

Field Offices are located in areas where victims are brought to serve as sex slaves. Field Offices will be located initially in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, West Africa, and South-East Asia. Because sex trafficking is a global problem, eventually there will be Field Offices all around the world. Field Offices will coordinate the activities of their regional Support Centers—for example the Field Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina will work with the Support Centers in Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, etc.

What do STOP’s Support Centers do, and where are they located?

Support Centers are located in the victim’s home countries and are there to help victims once they are repatriated. Support Centers reduce the risk of re-victimization, alleviate pressure on the victims and their families, provide ongoing counseling and job training, and help victims reintegrate and participate in their communities. Support Centers also engage citizens and serve as a resource to prevent future trafficking.

Does STOP work with national and/or local authorities?

Yes. Collaborating with national and local entities is a top priority. STOP will open an office in a country only after a thorough evaluation of the trafficking situation in that country. STOP will share its findings with the national Minister of the Interior, police and judicial authorities. STOP will also provide joint training with the local authorities when necessary. We are there to help the victims. The more people we have on our side, fighting for the victims, the better.

How does STOP communicate with the victims and overcome the language barrier?

STOP has interpreters on staff, available 24 hours a day. Our experts know the field and understand the experiences and plight of victims. This helps bridge barriers and builds trust. The victims know we are there to help.

How does STOP measure its success?

STOP feels that by breaking the cycle of re-victimization we are attaining our highest goal: helping the victim to reintegrate and have a chance at a “normal” life.

Can I work with STOP? 

STOP will offer fellowships to Law and Graduate students with a relevant focus. Keep checking our site for updates.