GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – Sex trafficking remains one of the most pressing human rights issues today and has become more relevant in small communities than most could ever imagine. In North Central Florida, one organization has taken a stand to combat the crime.
Anew is a nonprofit that has devoted itself to the rescue, restoration, and reclamation of lives affected by sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Allison Ungaro founded Anew in her living room in 2012, recognizing the dire need within her own community and took immediate steps to address it.
Ungaro says that Anew employs a four-pronged approach—youth prevention, outreach, rehabilitation, and community awareness—pillars, she says, have been supports for individuals seeking safety and healing.
“Where we are as a field with human trafficking is very much where we were as a society with domestic violence in the 80s,” said Ungaro. “We have so far to go. We’ve come a long way. We have language that we didn’t have 20 years ago. But man, do we have a long way to go in terms of responding to survivors in the ways that are needed. And so, Anew is committed to having a response that meets the needs of survivors in a holistic way.”
Anew says it’s important to treat a person as whole rather than focusing solely on their trauma. Ungaro says that perspective has led to significant gains in trauma care for survivors, acknowledging and tackling the aftermath of exploitation from every angle.
Ungaro says that survivors of sex trafficking often do not recognize themselves as victims, which contributes to this crime being underreported. Experts say the individual may perceive their trafficker as a protector, blinded to the abuse and exploitation stripping them of their own choices. Anew steps in with resources and support, aiming to catch such exploitation before it evolves into years of trauma and to provide a refuge for those needing sanctuary.
Understanding and identifying signs of trafficking are extremely important, Ungaro says. They can include sudden changes in behavior, displays of expensive gifts, or physical indications of abuse like burns, bruises, or branding. Anew offers services like tattoo removal and cover-ups, showing how committed it is to survivor recovery.
Ungaro shared that community engagement is vital in detecting and responding to sex trafficking. Online platforms have become a prevalent arena for traffickers, making vigilance in digital spaces increasingly critical. Anew provides guidance on what to look for and the tools to better understand and combat trafficking on a broad scale.
Reflecting on the profound impact and expanding reach of her work with Anew, Ungaro has served not just North Central Florida but referrals from across the country with more than 88 in 2023 alone. Despite its growth, the organization continues to face challenges, including limited safe housing options for survivors.
Your support for Anew can make a real difference in someone’s life. To learn more, volunteer, or make a donation, visit the Anew website. For inquiries, call or text 352-870-8481.