Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Catholic Charities of Louisville is working to educate youth in Kentucky about human trafficking through its Bakhita Empowerment Initiative. The program aims to provide young people with the tools they need to recognize potential dangers and increase their protective factors.

"We work to give them the tools to increase their protective factors so they can recognize if they are in danger," said Tamar Israel, the initiative's prevention education coordinator.

Named after St. Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese woman who was enslaved as a child and later became a religious sister, the initiative supports trafficking survivors and seeks to combat trafficking across the state. Israel brings her prevention curriculum to schools and organizations serving young people.

In an interview, Israel highlighted that traffickers are often known by their victims and use tactics such as manipulation, coercion, and seduction. She noted that sometimes an adult perpetrator collaborates with another young person to lure victims.

"It's usually someone they know. Youth in residential settings, for example, are often exploited by their family or someone who pretends to be a boyfriend. There's a lot of manipulation," she explained.

While sex trafficking is common among young victims, Israel also pointed out cases of labor trafficking involving undocumented youth seeking employment for family support.

Israel emphasized certain factors that make young people more vulnerable to trafficking: lack of understanding of healthy relationships or feeling disconnected can increase risk. Misconceptions about what traffickers look like also contribute to vulnerability.

"We have to work to decrease those vulnerabilities," she stated. "Traffickers know who their victims are and they prey upon them."

Amy Nace-DeGonda, leader of the Bakhita Empowerment Initiative, underscored the importance of prevention efforts led by Israel.

"We are doing a really good job addressing the issue after it happens," Nace-DeGonda said. "Preventative work is crucial because it's getting to the youth before trafficking occurs."

She mentioned that resources provided include suicide prevention, therapy, and emergency financial assistance.

The program targets youths aged 12-18 using various curricula:

"My Life, My Choice" educates girls on sex trafficking; "Not a Number" addresses labor trafficking and online exploitation for both genders; "I am Building a Healthy Identity" focuses on boys in urban communities.

For more information about the initiative, visit Bakhita Empowerment Initiative | Catholic Charities of Louisville.