Guest column by Paul Yates,
Executive director of I’ve Got A Name, a faith-based nonprofit organization,
and a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Gretna
We need to talk about a harsh reality facing Nebraska — the silent epidemic of sex trafficking in Nebraska.
The reality is that women and girls are being sold and purchased throughout our great state. It unfolds within our communities, across rural towns and city streets. From the mother selling her 14-year-old daughter in rural southwest Nebraska, to the mother finding her daughter’s image on her computer and realizing she was being sold online by her boyfriend. This happens here, to anyone, anywhere, perhaps in your neighborhood.
It may be easy to dismiss this injustice within our state, as people often cling to preconceived notions or believe it wouldn’t happen “to me.” I’ve devoted my life to battling this injustice since 2008, overseas and now in Nebraska. Even after all these years, I am still trying to comprehend it, as new horrors reveal themselves every day. But I do know this: prayer is essential. This is a spiritual battle.
Most of us live our lives with few threats or significant trauma. Imagine stepping outside your familiar routines, your predictable days, your comfort zones. Now, envision someone with no control over his or her own life. Shame, fear and guilt relentlessly cling to the person, imposed by his or her “owner.” Research indicates that most victims know their perpetrators. They have been manipulated and groomed, lured and trapped by limited options. Their reality becomes warped and they feel escape is impossible. They believe there is nowhere to turn.
This is not their story alone. It’s ours.
As Christians, we can’t turn a blind eye. We must open our hearts, educate ourselves and become a voice for those who cannot speak up for themselves. It starts with awareness, recognizing its relentless reality and understanding the vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit. Then, we become advocates of hope, where we protect the vulnerable, foster a community that loves those who have fallen victim, and uplift survivors’ voices.
Awareness is the first pillar of our organization, I’ve Got A Name. It’s a challenging yet critical first step in our fight against sex trafficking. We battle against myths regarding vulnerability, prostitution, pornography, the breakdown of families and the sexualization of our culture.
Due to lack of awareness, discussing this topic becomes awkward, especially as our children grow and become vulnerable. It’s natural to feel some discomfort when discussing sensitive topics associated with sex trafficking, like healthy relationships and boundaries. However, open communication within families is essential for building trust and understanding. These conversations can lay the groundwork for more supportive and open communication throughout life, especially as children grow and face new challenges. We strongly encourage awareness, and we provide opportunities throughout Nebraska.
Creighton University’s 2017 research on Backpage’s online activity revealed the dark realities of Nebraska’s active online commercial sex market. Although Backpage claimed to prohibit advertising that supported sex trafficking, there was an entire section dedicated to escort advertising with provocative pictures, prices and services. Creighton’s research opened my eyes to the dark realities of Nebraska… allow me to open yours. Here are some facts and findings from the extensive research of online activity:
> Nebraska has an active online commercial sex market where individuals are advertised and sold online.
> Every month, 900 individuals were sold for sex, often multiple times, in Nebraska.
> The average number of individuals sold for sex per month was 675 in Omaha, 200 in Lincoln and 65 in Grand Island.
> While Omaha was the state’s hub, many other locations stand out for their high demand, including Grand Island, whose per capita numbers exceeded that of Omaha.
> Based on Backpage alone, 70 to 75% of individuals sold for sex in Nebraska show some sign of being underage or controlled by a third-party, both indicators of sex trafficking
> In Nebraska, 11% of those sold for sex online are advertised as being under the age of 21. This means that more than 1 out of every 10 individuals sold for sex in the state is too young to buy alcohol, yet buyers are purchasing them for sex.
Fortunately, the federal government seized and shut down Backpage. Unfortunately, the industry was not shut down. Backpage and other sites still exist on the dark web. Creighton’s research is available to download at ivegotaname.org.
“Taking Action” is our organization’s second pillar. We take action through our Street Outreach — the cornerstone of our organization. Our Street Outreach Team consists of Megan and Pam, who tirelessly connect with women and girls who are vulnerable to and victims of sex trafficking. Megan and Pam approach these individuals without judgment, immersing them in unconditional love and the compassion of Christ.
Megan and Pam provide those we serve with unwavering support throughout their journey of personal trauma, equipping them with the necessary tools to move forward. The goal is to empower each woman and girl, foster positive transformations in their lives, instill self-confidence, and help them recognize their true value and worth. Our Street Outreach Team is currently active in Lincoln and surrounding communities.
Describing the day-to-day work of our Street Outreach as merely “busy” would be an understatement. Here are some statistics highlighting the escalating demand for our services from 2022 to 2023. It is crucial to mention that these statistics represent women and girls undergoing and recovering from substantial trauma:
> New referrals surged from 26 new referrals in 2022 to 42 new referrals in 2023.
> Client visits rose from 613 visits in 2022 to 818 visits in 2023.
“Inspiration” is our organization’s third and final pillar, where we empower individuals to utilize their gifts, networks and passion in the fight against sex trafficking. We invite you to become inspired through prayer and fasting for the vulnerable and those who suffer. Pray for our organization, especially our Street Outreach Team.
We also encourage you to visit our website to learn more and to help us inspire others through hosted speaking events. We travel throughout Nebraska to church communities, organizations, community groups, events and schools at no-cost. To inquire about a speaking opportunity, please contact us on our website, www.ivegotaname.org or email me directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
We encourage you to learn more and to join us at any of I’ve Got A Name’s events in the Lincoln area throughout the year, which you can find details for on our website. Lastly, we urge you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our email list to receive Street Outreach updates from Megan and Pam, as they candidly and respectfully share their personal experiences, both successes and challenges.
The fight against sex trafficking requires everyone. Join us. Pray for us. Let’s break the silence, dismantle the shadows, and build a Nebraska where every single person is safe, valued, and free. WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER.
