Aiken woman looks to help victims of human trafficking
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division says Aiken County ranks among the top five counties with the most human trafficking cases.
They’re ing places like Columbia and Myrtle Beach, which reported opening more than 350 cases in 2023. That included nearly 500 potential victims.
It’s a growing problem one Aiken County woman is working to stop.
Most of us think of home as our safe space.
“The norm of the bridge is to simulate family,” said Dominique Bunton, founder of Bridge 2 Home.
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It’s something the girls who will soon fill the rooms up long for.
“It’s really important for me when they come in to experience a home versus an institution,” said Bunton.
Bridge 2 Home has three bedrooms and can house up to six girls between the ages of 12-17, who are victims of sex trafficking.
“The kids that experience sexual exploitation, have an additional layer of trauma. So, when they come into care, a lot of times they’ll disrupt because of their behaviors,” said Bunton.
That’s where Bridge 2 Home comes in. It has just about every feature a home has.
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“If you live in a family unit, you’re going to eat together, especially dinner, and this is a place where they can talk about what went right, what went wrong, and just basically be in a community,” said Bunton.
The goal is to reach girls where they are and help them heal.
“Their lives are as important as mine. It is as important as yours, but these are mostly marginalized children who have suffered trauma, who don’t do well in school, and who don’t have a chance. I just want to give them a little chance, a leg up, just letting them know that they matter,” she said.
Bridge 2 Home says you can help them work to help girls who are victims of human trafficking.
Their Runn for Freedom 5k is October 12, and all the money raised will go to Bridge 2 Home.
For more information, visit https://www.thebridge2home.com/.
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