| Project Rescue and Assist Americans is a program designed to assist victims of human trafficking identified in the State of Connecticut. It is funded under a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, within the U. S. Department of Justice and is operated by the International Institute of Connecticut (IIC). |
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Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, involving victims who are forced, defrauded or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. It is estimated that approximately 800,000 to 900,000 victims are trafficked annually across international borders, and between 14,000 and 17,000 of those victims are trafficked into the US. These estimates include men, women and children. Trafficking is a crime which is often hidden from view and difficult to identify. Trafficking victims may suffer physical and emotional abuse, rape, financial exploitation, threats against themselves and their families, passport theft, and even death. While the precise extent of the problem in Connecticut is not clear at this time, it is certain that victims of trafficking are present in the state.
In cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut and federal and local law enforcement, Project Rescue was established to provide help to these victims. The aims of this program are
- to provide comprehensive services to trafficking victims
- to build effective community service networks to respond to victims’ needs
- to provide training to service providers and the public
Under the Project, comprehensive services include
- housing assistance
- health services
- English and job training skills
- language and cultural assistance
- transportation
- legal and immigration services.
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While many of these services are provided by IIC, the Project makes referrals to other cooperating community organizations, to ensure that the individualized needs of each victim are met.
Project Rescue also provides education and outreach to the community regarding the issues and data of human trafficking in Connecticut. These outreach efforts are primarily geared toward health care providers, victim service providers, adult education providers and other groups where potential victims of abuse may be identified. We also provide outreach and education directed to the general public about the nature of trafficking and about the help that is available in Connecticut..
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact us. If you are part of a social service agency or other group that you think could benefit from training on trafficking issues, such as victim identification or dealing with victims, please contact us. This is not just a problem that exists elsewhere. It is here in Connecticut also. Call the Bridgeport office at 203/336-0141 or after hours at 203-331-1398 or email at projrescue@iiconn.org.
