The McDonough Woman’s Club (MWC), which supports 13 local charities, hosted Sabrina Crawford as speaker June 8, followed by their annual member luncheon. Crawford, co-owner of Heritage Cadillac-Mitsubishi, with a resume filled with business successes and community leadership. Crawford founded Gigi’s House as a place of hope, which creates a safe environment for girls 13-19 who have been victims of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.
The Woman’s Club VP and Program Chairperson, Judy Neal said “While people hear of a critical need, there are those who sit back while a few instantly run toward the fire. Sabrina Crawford never sits back waiting for someone else to lead the charge. She is a brave, determined and fearless lady that has earned the title – American hero.” Neal went on to say, “While some of us can only do one thing at a time, Sabrina Crawford has juggled a 34-year career in the auto industry while focusing on her family, community and eradicating modern slavery.”
“Gigi’s House provides a safe environment for victims so that they can heal at their own pace. At Gigi’s House they are provided individual and group trauma-informed therapy with a licensed therapist, home-schooling, mentoring, practical and emotional life-skills training, daily self-confidence building activities, and much more.”
Facts shared by Crawford:
Age 12 – average age of entry into sex trafficking; Age 14 – average age of a domestic minor sex trafficking victim; 97% of victims are female and 3% are male; 96% are reported as runaways; 90% have a history of being abused; 67% have a history in the child welfare system; 77% have engaged in substance abuse; 7 years is the average life expectancy of a sex trafficking victim; Atlanta is ranked 6th amongst cities for commercial sexual exploitation.
Warning signs shared by Crawford:
Has older boyfriend or friends or suddenly makes new friends; Running away or withdrawn from family or friends; Unexplained money, cell phone, new clothes, shoes, hair and nails; Any type of physical abuse (look for burn marks, cuts or bruises); New tattoo(s) or branding; Dresses inappropriately; Falls asleep in class.
Crawford also mentioned the following recruitment apps for parents to deny access to their children: SnapChat, Instagram, Tinder, Tumblr, Whisper, Kik, Poke and Yik Yak.
For more information about Gigi’s House and sex trafficking, visit www.gigishouseatl.org or call 470-372-8050. Donations can be mailed to Gigi’s House c/o 7147 Jonesboro Road, Suite 870051, Morrow, GA 30287.
For more information about the McDonough Woman’s Club, visit them on Facebook.
