Article By: Suzzane Hopper
Contributing Writer

In the heart of Upstate South Carolina, a relentless fight is being waged against the organized
forces of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Greenville County is the #1 county in South
Carolina for sex trafficking. At the forefront of this battle stands Switch, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a world where every person can live free from the chains of exploitation. Through their comprehensive approach centered on five pillars—awareness, prevention, intervention, demand, and restoration—Switch is making a profound impact in the community.

Awareness: Shining a Light on the Hidden Crisis
Awareness is the first step toward change. Many people are unaware of the prevalence of sex
trafficking and exploitation in their own communities. Switch aims to illuminate this hidden crisis by educating the public, training professionals, and spreading vital information. Through
community events, social media campaigns, and partnerships with local organizations, Switch
works tirelessly to increase awareness and encourage proactive involvement. By bringing the
issue to the forefront, they hope to inspire a community-wide commitment to eradicating sex
trafficking.

Prevention: Protecting the Vulnerable
Prevention is a cornerstone of Switch’s mission, especially when it comes to safeguarding the
youth. Traffickers purposefully target young individuals to exploit their vulnerabilities and
manipulate them into dangerous situations. Switch’s prevention programs are designed to
protect our youth through education, empowerment, and community engagement.
One of Switch’s key prevention initiatives is their educational outreach program. By partnering
with schools, youth groups, and community centers, Switch provides a tailored curriculum that
educates young people about the dangers of trafficking, the tactics used by traffickers, and the
importance of online safety. These workshops also focus on building self-esteem and resilience,
equipping youth with the tools they need to protect themselves and their peers.
Switch also collaborates with parents, educators, and community leaders to create a network of
informed and vigilant adults who can recognize the signs of trafficking and take appropriate
action. Through seminars and training sessions, these stakeholders learn how to create safe
environments for young people and how to respond effectively if they suspect someone is at
risk.

Intervention: Stepping In When It Matters Most
Switch’s intervention programs are designed to reach individuals who are currently being
exploited or are at high risk of becoming victims. The intervention team goes into strip clubs,
prostitution districts, and detention centers to reach the most vulnerable individuals and guide
them through a path to freedom. The organization operates a 24/7 hotline that provides
immediate support and resources to those in need. Switch also works closely with law
enforcement and other agencies to ensure a coordinated response to trafficking cases.
Demand:

Addressing the Root Cause
To truly eradicate sex trafficking, it’s essential to address the demand that fuels it. Switch’s
demand reduction efforts focus on educating the public about the consequences of viewing
pornography. This addiction leads to purchasing sex, which drives the demand for sex
trafficking. By raising awareness about the human cost of trafficking and promoting ethical
behavior, Switch aims to reduce the market for exploitation.
Switch also engages in advocacy work, partnering with legislators and policy makers to push for
comprehensive anti-trafficking laws and policies. Their goal is to create a legal environment that holds traffickers accountable and provides robust protections for victims.

Restoration: Healing and Empowering Survivors
The journey to freedom doesn’t end when a victim reaches out for help; it requires ongoing
support and care. Switch’s restoration programs are designed to help survivors rebuild their
lives and achieve long-term independence. Through a holistic approach that addresses the
physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of survivors, Switch provides a pathway
to healing and empowerment.
One of the key components of Switch’s restoration efforts is their survivor support services.
These services include safe housing, medical care, counseling, and job training. By addressing
the immediate needs of survivors and providing them with the tools to build a sustainable future, Switch helps them reclaim their lives and regain their independence.
Switch also fosters a sense of community among survivors through support groups and
mentorship programs. By connecting survivors with one another and with mentors who have
walked a similar path, Switch creates a network of support and encouragement that empowers
individuals to thrive.

Focusing on Youth: The Future at Stake
Switch’s emphasis on prevention and serving youth is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity. Young people are disproportionately targeted by traffickers due to their age, vulnerability, and the increasing role of technology in their lives. Recognizing the myths of how traffickers reach their victims is a major factor in helping our youth. Sixty-five percent of victims are targeted online, and the traffickers’ primary focus is minors from ages 12-16. Traffickers are reaching minors through the internet, chat rooms, social media, and other applications on their devices…from the safety of their own homes. In the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force 2022
Report, 92% of victims were minors. By focusing on this demographic, Switch aims to disrupt
the cycle of exploitation at its source.

Switch’s youth-focused programs are designed to be engaging, informative, and empowering.
They use age-appropriate materials and interactive methods to ensure that young people not
only understand the risks but also feel confident in their ability to protect themselves and their peers. These programs also encourage youth to become advocates for change, fostering a new
generation of informed and proactive community members.

Conclusion: Join the Fight
Switch’s comprehensive approach to combating sex trafficking and exploitation in Upstate of
South Carolina is making a tangible difference. Through their pillars of awareness, prevention,
intervention, demand, and restoration, they are not only addressing the immediate needs of
victims but also working to prevent future exploitation and create a safer community for all.
However, the fight against sex trafficking is far from over, and Switch cannot do it alone. They
rely on the support of volunteers, donors, church and community partners to continue their vital
work. By joining forces with Switch, you can help protect the vulnerable, support survivors, and
create a world where every person can live free from exploitation. To learn more about Switch
and how you can get involved, visit their website at switchsc.org and follow them on social
media.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can end sex trafficking here in the Upstate.
Combating Sex Trafficking and Exploitation in Upstate South Carolina