REST | Real Escape from the Sex Trade

Our Mission

Founded in 2009, REST exists to expand pathways to freedom, safety, and hope in order to end sex trafficking. We believe that everyone is worthy of love and deserves a life without exploitation. 

***

The Need

Sex trafficking happens here. 

REST estimates there are 2,000–3,000 individuals experiencing sex trafficking on any given night in the greater Seattle and King County area, and over half of them are homeless or in unstable housing. Last year, over 800 individuals—a 22% increase—reached out to REST for services, seeking support and a path out of the sex trade. This highlights the urgent need for resources and assistance for victims and survivors of sex trafficking.

The brutality of sex trafficking leads to extreme and persistent trauma.

Though every experience of sexual exploitation is unique, one thing is common: trauma. In fact, the rate of PTSD in survivors of sexual exploitation is higher than in combat veterans. At REST, we understand that trauma affects the whole person, and therefore we seek to honor and care for the whole person: mind, body, and spirit, in a holistic and individualized way.

***

Our Survivor-Centered Services

REST offers holistic, survivor-centered services, seeking to walk alongside survivors of sex trafficking no matter where they are in their healing journey. Through this, we aim to offer support for survivors to identify and accomplish goals that transition them from entry to stabilization to independence.

Most survivors learn about REST through word of mouth, street or text outreach, or referrals from other agencies. They regularly call our 24/7 hotline for information and emotional support and drop in for enrichment services, which offer support groups, art therapy, and life skills workshops. Ninety percent (90%) of survivors have experienced homelessness; in such cases, they can stay at our emergency shelter.

All survivors have experienced trauma and can engage with mental health and substance use services. Many need assistance with employment and can access our Employment Services, which have been trained to supervise in a trauma-informed manner. To reach self-efficacy, housing assistance including Housing Financial Assistance (HFA) and transitional housing, is available.

Our Education and Training

After providing direct services for almost 15 years, REST receives regular requests for training nationwide, and this year officially launched the Direct Service Training Series (DSTS) Foundations and Advanced, along with two versions of H.O.P.E.—one for Service Providers and one for Community Members. 

***

How You Can Help

Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of survivors of sex trafficking. Every dollar brings us one step closer to a world where everyone has the opportunity to heal, recover, and thrive.

• A $25 donation provides 10 survivors with access to REST’s 24/7 crisis hotline—a lifeline offering hope and immediate support.

• A $50 donation enables personal outreach and safety planning for 5 survivors ready to escape exploitation.

• A $100 donation provides 1 survivor with individual advocacy, guiding them through REST’s wraparound services toward independence.