September 8, 2026: Combat Human Trafficking

Voices of Resistance welcomed Kate Gallop from Tharros Place, an agency that educates, advocates on behalf of, and provides services to girls under the age of 21 who have been victims of human trafficking, and Kevin O’Brien, who is working with Kate to promote a fundraiser at Tybee on 9/19.  Kate explained that most human trafficking victims know their victimizers.  Many are family and friends who nurture relationships of trust in order to traffic them for labor or sexual exploitation.  Many are runaways or otherwise homeless and accept help in return for favors.  Girls are often referred to Tharros from the criminal justice system, where they are eligible to receive up to 12 months of housing, therapy, life skills training, mentoring and friendship.  Girls typically move back with family, into foster care or to college following their stay at Tharros.  The internet has now become a place where young girls meet their victimizers, often induced to share sexually explicit photos, then threatened and exploited for profit

Kate alerted us to the 2025 Take It Down Act that criminalizes nonconsensual publication of intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes, and requires online platforms to remove the content upon request or face significant fines.

Grant money and funds from the City of Savannah support Tharros’ operations.  The 9/19 event at Tybee will provide additional funds to support the agency.  The 9th Annual Walk/Run to Combat Human Trafficking, will start at 9 am at St. Michael’s Church, 919 Butler Avenue, with sign up in advance or at 8 am on the day of the event.  Following the walk/run, there will be an auction, raffles, food trucks, and music including the St. Vincents School choir, at the Tybee American Legion, 10 Veterans Drive.  Thank you to Kate and Kevin for educating us to the need to combat human trafficking in Savannah and the event to support their work on 9/19.