Hello friends, I am incredibly excited to highlight the work of an artist who is very dear to United Abolitionists – Alex “Revel” Ruiz. Alex has always been a dedicated advocate for our cause, using his extraordinary talent to raise awareness and funds for the fight against human trafficking. Alex is a performance painter based…
When Tomas J. Lares came face to face with the grim reality of human trafficking in 2004, he was shocked into action. He channelled his deep sense of justice into the formation of the United Abolitionists, a beacon of hope in Central Florida’s fight against this modern-day form of slavery. Tomas J. Lares, founder and…
A Powerful Partnership for Change Hello, friends and allies in the fight against human trafficking, I’m Tomas Lars, the President of United Abolitionists. Our mission has always been clear: to identify and assist victims of human trafficking, to educate and empower first responders, and to serve as an unyielding force against this horrific crime. Today,…
Every Backpack Counts: How Your $75 Donation Makes a Difference When it comes to making a difference in the world of human trafficking, every contribution counts. At United Abolitionists, we have seen first-hand how something as simple as a backpack can change lives. This is a story of unwavering dedication, heartfelt support, and the real…
I’ve been on the frontlines of the fight against human trafficking in Florida for nearly two decades. In that time, our state has made strides to protect the most vulnerable, but one issue still desperately needs our attention: the use of hotels and motels for trafficking. Human trafficking bill a milestone – but also missing something…
The Florida Standard BOMBSHELL: The lodging industry is doing everything it can to avoid taking responsibility for the sex trafficking they know is taking place at Florida hotels – even when bloodied victims are screaming for help. TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — A bill allowing human trafficking victims to sue hotels (HB 7045) breezed through its first…
By David Fleshler South Florida Sun-Sentinel Florida’s thousands of hotels have been called the center of the state’s human-trafficking industry, providing convenient venues for the forced sale of sex. A bill in the state Legislature that would have allowed victims to sue hotels had been sailing through the Florida House. But on Monday, the…
Named after the North Star, an historical symbol of freedom, Polaris is leading a survivor-centered, justice- and equity-driven movement to end human trafficking. Since 2007, Polaris has operated the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, connecting victims and survivors to support and services, and helping communities hold traffickers accountable. Through that work, Polaris has built the…
Dear Friends, Partners & Abolitionists, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones. What an incredible year this has been! Many of you receive our weekly text alerts as individuals who are victimized by sex and labor trafficking are recovered and/or identified by law enforcement or first responders. Unfortunately, due to capacity,…
