Friday, September 26, 2014

I will be speaking at the D.C. Stop Modern Slavery Walkfest October 4 at the National Mall in Washington D.C.

 I will be speaking at the D.C. Stop Modern Slavery Walkfest October 4 at the National Mall in Washington D.C.

 

Please join me on October 4th at the National Mall in Washington D.C. at 10:40 AM when I will be speaking at the D.C. Stop Modern Slavery Walkfest. I look forward to seeing everyone on October 4th and I appreciate your support in bringing an end to modern day slavery. Together we can win the fight to free all those imprisoned in chains of fear!
Regards,
Jerome Elam
For more information on Walkfest visit the D.C. Stop Modern Slavery website: 
http://www.stopmodernslavery.org



How To Identify A Human Trafficking Victim

•     Seems anxious, fearful or paranoid.  Avoids eye contact.
•    Tearfulness or signs of depression.
•    Unexplained bruises or cuts or other signs of physical abuse.
•    Appears to be in a relationship with someone who is dominating.
•    Never is alone and/or always has someone translating or answering questions on their behalf.
•    Not in control of their own finances.
•    Presents with secrecy or unable to answer questions about where they live.
•    Inconsistent details when telling their story.
•    Has no identification such as a license, passport or other ID documents.
    Inability to leave their job or residence.  Says they cannot schedule appointments.
    Being a recent arrival to the United States and does not speak English.
    Is under 18 and providing commercial sex acts.  Or at any age unwillingly providing commercial sex acts.
    Is afraid of law enforcement or receiving help from an outside entity.

If you can find an opportunity to get he/she alone, ask him/her the following screening questions:
     Can you leave your job or house when you want?
    Where did you get those bruises or is anyone hurting you?
    Do you get paid for your employment?  Is it fair?  How many hours do you work?
    (If foreign national) How did you get to the U.S. and is it what you expected?  Are you being forced to do anything you don't want to do?
    Are you or your family being threatened?
    Do you live with or near your employer?  Does your employer provide you housing?  Are there locks on doors or windows from outside?
    Do you owe debt to anyone?

If you suspect they are a victim of human trafficking,take the following actions:
    Ask the person if you can help them find a safe place to go immediately.
     If they need time, create an action plan with them to get to a safe place when they are ready.
     Call and make a report to the human trafficking hotline at 1.888.3737.888.  The hotline has language capabilities, so any individual can call directly if they choose.




The Department of Homeland Security online training about how to spot the signs of and report suspected human trafficking:

The Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign is now offering online training about how to spot the signs of and report suspected human trafficking. The training is aimed at the general public, the Federal workforce, first responders, and airline employees and focuses on:
    •    Defining human trafficking
    •    Differentiating between human trafficking and human smuggling
    •    Recognizing populations vulnerable to human trafficking
    •    Recognizing indicators of human trafficking   
A glossary and additional resources also are provided. View the Human Trafficking Awareness Training on the Department of Homeland Security's website:
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/training/dhs_awareness_training_fy12/launchPage.htm


Jerome Elam
Staff Writer and Columnist for Communities Digital News http://www.commdiginews.com
Read my column here:
A Heart Without Compromise; Advocating for Children:
http://www.commdiginews.com/column/a-heart-without-compromise-advocating-for-children-2/  


Follow me on Social Media:
Stories by Jerome Elam : Contently
jeromeelam.contently.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/199Eb93
Twitter    : @JeromeElam
Linkedin : http://linkd.in/1cQS9ve
Google+ : google.com/+JeromeElamanendtosilence
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/199GEAt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiV7GtIbFmSgcbsY1f47mAg
An end to silence blog by Jerome Elam :http://bit.ly/J17wWz

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein

Always remember that you are never alone and that others have walked the healing path before you and are here to lift you up! Also remember that as survivors and victims, alone we may be strong but together we are unbeatable!

An End To Silence Blog is the copyrighted property of Jerome Elam. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING CONTENT FROM AN END TO SILENCE BLOG OR ANY CONTENT WRITTEN BY JEROME ELAM WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

The story of one. Trafficked Boys: Vandalized innocence hidden in plain sight

The story of one. Trafficked Boys: Vandalized innocence hidden in plain sight

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For seven long years I was trapped in a hell no one deserves. I was nothing more than a shell of a human being enduring suffering and torture at the hands of psychopaths and sociopaths as the world looked on. I attended school, and from the outside appeared to be a “normal child” but I was being trafficked in plain sight. I was often pulled out of school to “service” clients and after school, holidays and weekends were all just a never-ending nightmare for me. All of the signs were there but no one cared enough to look or had the training or education to realize my bruises and lengthy illnesses were all red flags for a child suffering endless abuse.

The story of one. Trafficked Boys: Vandalized innocence hidden in plain sight
Read more at http://www.commdiginews.com/life/trafficked-boys-vandalized-innocence-hidden-in-plain-sight-26356/#AbLL85mMbRRrMcxy.99


How To Identify A Human Trafficking Victim

•     Seems anxious, fearful or paranoid.  Avoids eye contact.
•    Tearfulness or signs of depression.
•    Unexplained bruises or cuts or other signs of physical abuse.
•    Appears to be in a relationship with someone who is dominating.
•    Never is alone and/or always has someone translating or answering questions on their behalf.
•    Not in control of their own finances.
•    Presents with secrecy or unable to answer questions about where they live.
•    Inconsistent details when telling their story.
•    Has no identification such as a license, passport or other ID documents.
    Inability to leave their job or residence.  Says they cannot schedule appointments.
    Being a recent arrival to the United States and does not speak English.
    Is under 18 and providing commercial sex acts.  Or at any age unwillingly providing commercial sex acts.
    Is afraid of law enforcement or receiving help from an outside entity.

If you can find an opportunity to get he/she alone, ask him/her the following screening questions:
     Can you leave your job or house when you want?
    Where did you get those bruises or is anyone hurting you?
    Do you get paid for your employment?  Is it fair?  How many hours do you work?
    (If foreign national) How did you get to the U.S. and is it what you expected?  Are you being forced to do anything you don't want to do?
    Are you or your family being threatened?
    Do you live with or near your employer?  Does your employer provide you housing?  Are there locks on doors or windows from outside?
    Do you owe debt to anyone?

If you suspect they are a victim of human trafficking,take the following actions:
    Ask the person if you can help them find a safe place to go immediately.
     If they need time, create an action plan with them to get to a safe place when they are ready.
     Call and make a report to the human trafficking hotline at 1.888.3737.888.  The hotline has language capabilities, so any individual can call directly if they choose.




The Department of Homeland Security online training about how to spot the signs of and report suspected human trafficking:

The Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign is now offering online training about how to spot the signs of and report suspected human trafficking. The training is aimed at the general public, the Federal workforce, first responders, and airline employees and focuses on:
    •    Defining human trafficking
    •    Differentiating between human trafficking and human smuggling
    •    Recognizing populations vulnerable to human trafficking
    •    Recognizing indicators of human trafficking   
A glossary and additional resources also are provided. View the Human Trafficking Awareness Training on the Department of Homeland Security's website:
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/training/dhs_awareness_training_fy12/launchPage.htm


Jerome Elam
Staff Writer and Columnist for Communities Digital News http://www.commdiginews.com
Read my column here:
A Heart Without Compromise; Advocating for Children:
http://www.commdiginews.com/column/a-heart-without-compromise-advocating-for-children-2/  


Follow me on Social Media:
Stories by Jerome Elam : Contently
jeromeelam.contently.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/199Eb93
Twitter    : @JeromeElam
Linkedin : http://linkd.in/1cQS9ve
Google+ : google.com/+JeromeElamanendtosilence
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/199GEAt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiV7GtIbFmSgcbsY1f47mAg
An end to silence blog by Jerome Elam :http://bit.ly/J17wWz

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein

Always remember that you are never alone and that others have walked the healing path before you and are here to lift you up! Also remember that as survivors and victims, alone we may be strong but together we are unbeatable!

An End To Silence Blog is the copyrighted property of Jerome Elam. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING CONTENT FROM AN END TO SILENCE BLOG OR ANY CONTENT WRITTEN BY JEROME ELAM WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.

From Pearl Harbor to 9/11: The Museum of the Marine honors courage in the defense of freedom


From Pearl Harbor to 9/11: The Museum of the Marine honors courage in the defense of freedom

 

For Joe Houle and Dave Brown, the Museum of the Marine is about honoring the sacrifice of those who served alongside them in combat. It is also about reminding everyone that peace can only come with a price and so many have courageously sacrificed their lives on the altar of freedom so we can live in a country where anyone can aspire to greatness.

From Pearl Harbor to 9/11: The Museum of the Marine honors courage in the defense of freedom



Jerome Elam
Staff Writer and Columnist for Communities Digital News http;//www.commdiginews.com
Read my column here:
A Heart Without Compromise; Advocating for Children:
http://www.commdiginews.com/column/a-heart-without-compromise-advocating-for-children-2/  


Follow me on Social Media:
Stories by Jerome Elam : Contently
jeromeelam.contently.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/199Eb93
Twitter    : @JeromeElam
Linkedin : http://linkd.in/1cQS9ve
Google+ : google.com/+JeromeElamanendtosilence
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/199GEAt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiV7GtIbFmSgcbsY1f47mAg
An end to silence blog by Jerome Elam :http://bit.ly/J17wWz

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein

Always remember that you are never alone and that others have walked the healing path before you and are here to lift you up! Also remember that as survivors and victims, alone we may be strong but together we are unbeatable!

An End To Silence Blog is the copyrighted property of Jerome Elam. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING CONTENT FROM AN END TO SILENCE BLOG OR ANY CONTENT WRITTEN BY JEROME ELAM WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.


Thursday, September 11, 2014

Onslow Times article about the Onslow County Partnership for Children Diamonds and Denim Benefit


     Thank you Kelly Nicole Wilburn for your passionate and eloquent The Onslow Times article about the Onslow County Partnership for Children Diamonds and Denim Benefit! I was honored to be able to share my story and humbled by the support and compassion I encountered at the Benefit. I hope we can all live in a world one day where children are no longer sentenced to a lifetime of pain and suffering as victims of child abuse. God has given me a purpose in life to save innocent children from vandalized childhoods and stolen hopes and dreams so that no child will endure the hell I suffered through as a child.
 Regards,
Jerome Elam

Read Kelly Nicole Wilburn's article by clicking on the link below:
 http://onslowtimes.com/advocacy-center-ignites-focus-on-child-abuse-prevention/

How To Identify A Human Trafficking Victim

•     Seems anxious, fearful or paranoid.  Avoids eye contact.
•    Tearfulness or signs of depression.
•    Unexplained bruises or cuts or other signs of physical abuse.
•    Appears to be in a relationship with someone who is dominating.
•    Never is alone and/or always has someone translating or answering questions on their behalf.
•    Not in control of their own finances.
•    Presents with secrecy or unable to answer questions about where they live.
•    Inconsistent details when telling their story.
•    Has no identification such as a license, passport or other ID documents.
    Inability to leave their job or residence.  Says they cannot schedule appointments.
    Being a recent arrival to the United States and does not speak English.
    Is under 18 and providing commercial sex acts.  Or at any age unwillingly providing commercial sex acts.
    Is afraid of law enforcement or receiving help from an outside entity.

If you can find an opportunity to get he/she alone, ask him/her the following screening questions:
     Can you leave your job or house when you want?
    Where did you get those bruises or is anyone hurting you?
    Do you get paid for your employment?  Is it fair?  How many hours do you work?
    (If foreign national) How did you get to the U.S. and is it what you expected?  Are you being forced to do anything you don't want to do?
    Are you or your family being threatened?
    Do you live with or near your employer?  Does your employer provide you housing?  Are there locks on doors or windows from outside?
    Do you owe debt to anyone?

If you suspect they are a victim of human trafficking,take the following actions:
    Ask the person if you can help them find a safe place to go immediately.
     If they need time, create an action plan with them to get to a safe place when they are ready.
     Call and make a report to the human trafficking hotline at 1.888.3737.888.  The hotline has language capabilities, so any individual can call directly if they choose.




The Department of Homeland Security online training about how to spot the signs of and report suspected human trafficking:

The Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign is now offering online training about how to spot the signs of and report suspected human trafficking. The training is aimed at the general public, the Federal workforce, first responders, and airline employees and focuses on:
    •    Defining human trafficking
    •    Differentiating between human trafficking and human smuggling
    •    Recognizing populations vulnerable to human trafficking
    •    Recognizing indicators of human trafficking   
A glossary and additional resources also are provided. View the Human Trafficking Awareness Training on the Department of Homeland Security's website:
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/training/dhs_awareness_training_fy12/launchPage.htm


Jerome Elam
Staff Writer and Columnist for Communities Digital News http://www.commdiginews.com
Read my column here:
A Heart Without Compromise; Advocating for Children:
http://www.commdiginews.com/column/a-heart-without-compromise-advocating-for-children-2/  


Follow me on Social Media:
Stories by Jerome Elam : Contently
jeromeelam.contently.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/199Eb93
Twitter    : @JeromeElam
Linkedin : http://linkd.in/1cQS9ve
Google+ : google.com/+JeromeElamanendtosilence
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/199GEAt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiV7GtIbFmSgcbsY1f47mAg
An end to silence blog by Jerome Elam :http://bit.ly/J17wWz

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein

Always remember that you are never alone and that others have walked the healing path before you and are here to lift you up! Also remember that as survivors and victims, alone we may be strong but together we are unbeatable!

An End To Silence Blog is the copyrighted property of Jerome Elam. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING CONTENT FROM AN END TO SILENCE BLOG OR ANY CONTENT WRITTEN BY JEROME ELAM WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.

Onslow County Partnership for Children annual Diamonds and Denim Benefit 2014

 Onslow County Partnership for Children annual Diamonds and Denim Benefit 2014




  I wanted to thank the Jacksonville Daily News for their wonderful coverage of the Onslow County Partnership for Children annual Diamonds and Denim Benefit. The photographs were amazing and I cannot thank the reporter and the photographer enough for the amazing job they did in covering the event. It is so important to raise awareness about the scourge of child abuse and to let people know that they can educate and empower themselves with knowledge. If everyone would take a few minutes to speak with the staff at the Onslow County Child Advocacy Center or visit their website, resources are available that will arm us all with the ability to recognize and report suspected child abuse.
The Onslow County Child Advocacy Center is an enclave of hope for children who are victims of abuse. It is the only chance they have to escape a lifetime of pain and suffering that no child deserves. In my opinion, the staff at the Onlsow County Child Advocacy Center are the guardian angels for all children and the defenders of innocence. I hope everyone will support the Onslow County Child Advocacy Center and the invaluable work they do in saving innocent children from a lifetime of suffering as victims of child abuse.
Regards,
Jerome Elam

How To Identify A Human Trafficking Victim

•     Seems anxious, fearful or paranoid.  Avoids eye contact.
•    Tearfulness or signs of depression.
•    Unexplained bruises or cuts or other signs of physical abuse.
•    Appears to be in a relationship with someone who is dominating.
•    Never is alone and/or always has someone translating or answering questions on their behalf.
•    Not in control of their own finances.
•    Presents with secrecy or unable to answer questions about where they live.
•    Inconsistent details when telling their story.
•    Has no identification such as a license, passport or other ID documents.
    Inability to leave their job or residence.  Says they cannot schedule appointments.
    Being a recent arrival to the United States and does not speak English.
    Is under 18 and providing commercial sex acts.  Or at any age unwillingly providing commercial sex acts.
    Is afraid of law enforcement or receiving help from an outside entity.

If you can find an opportunity to get he/she alone, ask him/her the following screening questions:
     Can you leave your job or house when you want?
    Where did you get those bruises or is anyone hurting you?
    Do you get paid for your employment?  Is it fair?  How many hours do you work?
    (If foreign national) How did you get to the U.S. and is it what you expected?  Are you being forced to do anything you don't want to do?
    Are you or your family being threatened?
    Do you live with or near your employer?  Does your employer provide you housing?  Are there locks on doors or windows from outside?
    Do you owe debt to anyone?

If you suspect they are a victim of human trafficking,take the following actions:
    Ask the person if you can help them find a safe place to go immediately.
     If they need time, create an action plan with them to get to a safe place when they are ready.
     Call and make a report to the human trafficking hotline at 1.888.3737.888.  The hotline has language capabilities, so any individual can call directly if they choose.




The Department of Homeland Security online training about how to spot the signs of and report suspected human trafficking:

The Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign is now offering online training about how to spot the signs of and report suspected human trafficking. The training is aimed at the general public, the Federal workforce, first responders, and airline employees and focuses on:
    •    Defining human trafficking
    •    Differentiating between human trafficking and human smuggling
    •    Recognizing populations vulnerable to human trafficking
    •    Recognizing indicators of human trafficking   
A glossary and additional resources also are provided. View the Human Trafficking Awareness Training on the Department of Homeland Security's website:
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/training/dhs_awareness_training_fy12/launchPage.htm


Jerome Elam
Staff Writer and Columnist for Communities Digital News http://www.commdiginews.com
Read my column here:
A Heart Without Compromise; Advocating for Children:
http://www.commdiginews.com/column/a-heart-without-compromise-advocating-for-children-2/  


Follow me on Social Media:
Stories by Jerome Elam : Contently
jeromeelam.contently.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/199Eb93
Twitter    : @JeromeElam
Linkedin : http://linkd.in/1cQS9ve
Google+ : google.com/+JeromeElamanendtosilence
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/199GEAt
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiV7GtIbFmSgcbsY1f47mAg
An end to silence blog by Jerome Elam :http://bit.ly/J17wWz

"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein

Always remember that you are never alone and that others have walked the healing path before you and are here to lift you up! Also remember that as survivors and victims, alone we may be strong but together we are unbeatable!

An End To Silence Blog is the copyrighted property of Jerome Elam. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING CONTENT FROM AN END TO SILENCE BLOG OR ANY CONTENT WRITTEN BY JEROME ELAM WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.