LION195 Against Trafficking, Inc.

09/02/2026

We had such a great time at our Champions for Freedom event yesterday evening with Indiana state leaders. This event focused on positioning steps towards what in policy development needs altered/added in the discussion between a dedicated group of individuals committed to the safety of our children in Indiana.

💜⭐️

08/28/2026

Four years ago, LION195 began as a vision. Today, that vision has become a mission in action.

Our founder, Katrina Terry, reflects on the journey of building LION195 and the purpose that continues to drive the work:

Protecting children. Empowering survivors. Inspiring change.

What started with a vision has grown into a movement fueled by compassion, courage, and a commitment to creating a safer future for children.

We’re just getting started. 💜

08/25/2026

LION195's recent impact in the Philippines! We were able to enter safe houses with young girls that have suffered from abuse and bless them with essentials, toys, and care. With support we will be able to impact countries all over the world!

07/30/2026

🚨 Human exploitation in the United States: What the Data Really Reveals

This modern slavery is one of the most hidden crimes in America, even our best data likely represents only a fraction of what's happening.

📊 According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics:
• Approximately 2,950 incidents involving an estimated 3,570 victims were reported by law enforcement in 2022.
⚖️ Federal enforcement is increasing:
In Fiscal Year 2023:
• 2,329 trafficking suspects were referred to U.S. Attorneys.
• 1,782 suspects were prosecuted.
• 1,008 defendants were convicted.
Compared to 2013, that represents:
📈 23% increase in referrals
📈 73% increase in prosecutions
📈 64% increase in convictions
🏛️ State prison data (2023):
• 916 prison admissions for Commercial s*xual exploitation offenses
• 2,220 people incarcerated at year's end

⚠️ But here's the most important fact:
The Bureau of Justice Statistics states that current U.S. data systems cannot produce reliable estimates of the true prevalence of human trafficking.

Why?

• Many victims never come into contact with law enforcement.
• Victims often do not self-identify due to fear, trauma, or coercion.
• These cases may be investigated under other crimes such as child exploitation, prostitution, kidnapping, or labor violations.
• Reporting standards and trafficking definitions vary across jurisdictions.
The numbers we see are not the total number of victims, they are only the victims who have been identified.
💜 Better data leads to:
✔️ Better victim identification
✔️ Smarter allocation of investigative resources
✔️ Stronger collaboration between agencies
✔️ More effective anti-trafficking strategies
this thrives in silence and remains largely hidden. Awareness, education, and informed communities are critical in helping identify victims and prevent exploitation.
Sources:
• Bureau of Justice Statistics. Human Trafficking Data Collection Activities, 2025 (January 2026).
• Kevin Metcalf. Human Trafficking in the United States: Key Statistics, Hidden Gaps, and What the Data Really Reveals. March 31, 2026.

06/23/2026

💛💜

06/22/2026

LION195 has shared a video about this statue once before, and we'd like to touch on it again.

This statue, Let the Oppressed Go Free, serves as a visual prayer.

Inspired by Isaiah 58:6 (KJV):

"Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?"

God desires action that actively confronts injustice, oppression, and exploitation.

The sculptor spoke on this violation of human rights, calling it a "deep, disturbing element of humanity." Mr. Schmalz believed this artwork would start conversations about human trafficking. He went on to explain that what prevents people from talking about this issue is their reluctance to speak about something so evil, and we couldn't agree more. 💜💛

( Information from https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2023-06/bronze-sculpture-human-trafficking-schmalz.html )

06/04/2026

TRUE OR FALSE❓

Most Child Victims of Trafficking Are Taken by Strangers?

❌You would be shocked to know that human trafficking of children in the U.S. is usually not the result of a stranger kidnapping. Research and hotline data show that victims often know, trust, or have a relationship with their trafficker, such as a family member, romantic partner, friend, or someone who gradually gains their trust through grooming. ⚠️ Focusing only on "stranger danger" can cause people to miss the more common warning signs of trafficking and exploitation. ⚠️

( https://polarisproject.org/2020-us-national-human-trafficking-hotline-statistics )

06/03/2026

🚨 Did you know?

The average age of entry into the commercial s*x market is 12 years old.

Awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect vulnerable children. Learn the signs, share credible information, and help keep our children safe.

-
https://www.safehouseproject.org/blog/child-trafficking-every-2-minutes-a-child-is-sold/
-

03/26/2026

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign's website has a informative pamphlet where student & community leaders can approach addressing and education about human trafficking to those around them.

This particular link explains that the individual looking to inform, "may be a trusted adult for a young person, a moral authority in a congregation, or have the ability to empower their peers to learn to recognize and report human trafficking. Regardless of their specific role, their leadership positions them to educate and influence others."
They share a guide on how to talk to youth (ages 11-17) about human trafficking and inform them on what exploitation looks like, and how to avoid it.

"The 'How to Talk About Human Trafficking Youth Guide' can be used by any adult who is a caretaker of a youth or individuals who work with youth through formal or informal programming in classrooms, camps, community or faith-based programs, sports leagues, mentorship programs, and more. The information in this guide can be incorporated into existing activities, lessons, or conversations that are used to engage youth. This guide was created with a focus on middle and high school-aged youth (11- to 17-years old). The Blue Campaign youth guide is available in English and Spanish."

You can find the guide on their website.

Resources that can be used to start conversations about and raise awareness of trafficking within communities across the country.

03/26/2026

A short thread about the differences between human trafficking and human smuggling, resourcing from the FBI distinctions of the two.
https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/human-trafficking