New refuge in the Midlands for sexually exploited people

COLUMBIA, SC — Tonight, victims of sex trafficking have a new safe haven, a new place of support in Columbia.

According to SLED data, last year, more than 350 sex trafficking cases were opened in South Carolina, involving nearly 500 potential victims, most of them minors.

Today, a building hopes to change the landscape.

After 10 years serving the Midlands, Lighthouse for Life now has a new space to serve men, women and children who are victims of sex trafficking or sexual exploitation, and according to organizers, it's the only space of its kind in the Midlands.

“The Harbour” is dedicated to our most vulnerable victims: sex trafficking.

“They may still be alive and don't know they can get out or don't know what resources to use to get out. So they can come here three days a week,” Heather Pagan, victim and survivor support. said the director.

It's a place where victims can now come and have a hot meal, take a shower or put on clean clothes. A place where they can take a moment, pause, and figure out their next steps. A place that Pagan did not have, but that he wishes others had.

“I, too, am a person with lived experience and this is a place. This same road that I have traveled over and over in this area as a person who was exploited and trafficked,” Pagan said.

Lisa Kejr is the president of Lighthouse for Life. She says this property was offered to them two years ago.

“We found a stiletto shoe in front of one of the windows, it was a broken window and it became obvious that there was a lot of activity going on here. Drugs, sex, who knows what. In this part of the city, there’s just a need where better to bring the solution than where the needs are,” Kejr said.

According to SLED data, last year, agents opened 43 sex trafficking cases in Richland County, 34 in Greenville County and 21 in Charleston County.

“What we also want people to know is that it's not just traffickers who take their victims and their 'products' across state lines, it's all happening on this street, on St . Andrews Road, or in the community behind us,” Paul said. Cumbers, the operations manager said.

Data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline from last year shows that most often, trafficking is instigated by an employer or intimate partner.

Pagan wants current victims to know that The Harbor is ready to welcome them.

“We're here for you. We're here to help. We want to help you get and find the resources you need. You're not alone. We know this is a real thing that's happening here and we I want to help you get to a safe place,” Pagan said.

The port is located at 1038 St. Andrews Road. It will be open and accepting walk-ins from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

If someone needs long-term support, there is an application process and expanded hours.

Lighthouse for Life says they are also working to open a juvenile shelter before the end of this year.