Red Oak serves those affected by sexual exploitation-- focusing primarily on women and children. This includes both trafficking victims and those who have been pushed/pulled into the sex industry by a variety of other factors. We want to help women and children find freedom, hope, and restoration from exploitation and abuse. Regardless of how they got in-- we want to help them get out if/when they’re ready. We also serve populations vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation in order to prevent abuse from happening in the first place.

To identify if someone is a victim of trafficking, Red Oak follows the UN definition in the Palermo Protocol which states that

Human trafficking is “the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation”

This is a complicated definition, but essentially involves three aspects: the act, the means, and the purpose.

The act includes “recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbor, or receipt of persons”-- if any of these acts occurred, it is a potential trafficking case regardless of distance.

The means includes threat, force, coercion, abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power, exploiting vulnerability, or the giving or receiving of payments. While many people assume physical violence as a requirement of trafficking, it’s important to note that physical violence is not necessary and that the use of fraud and coercion are equally valid means of trafficking

The last element of trafficking is in the purpose of exploitation-- including prostitution, sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery, servitude, and organ removal.

The truth is that women enter the sex industry for a variety of reasons-- some are clear trafficking victims and some are not. According to several studies , the most common reasons women enter the sex industry voluntarily are not being able to find another job, supporting family financially, paying debts, buying drugs, financing a personal education, helping a partner, and liking the job.

According to the United Nations, women and children make up 80% of trafficking victims worldwide. Because of this, Red Oak focuses on serving women and children and some of their programs (such as the transitional housing program in Austin) are exclusively designed for women and their children.

However, Red Oak recognizes that men and boys can also be victims of sexual exploitation and we are open to helping these individuals regardless of gender. We also work to build up communities and families which often includes men (boyfriends, husbands, community leaders, etc). In addition, we have frequently built relationships with pimps and men who buy sex (“Johns”) in order to holistically address the issues of trafficking and exploitation from all sides.

Red Oak’s headquarters are in Austin, Texas. Due to the sensitivity of our work and the need for security, Red Oak cannot publish the exact location of all of their field offices. However, we have partnered with organizations and engaged with women from over 9 countries throughout North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Red Oak firmly believes in protecting the confidentiality and security of every beneficiary. Because of this, we often do not publish real names or identifiable photos of those we serve. This is also why we sometimes use stock photos.

For more information on our media ethics policy, click here.

Some of Red Oak’s staff members work in very sensitive locations. In addition, due to the nature of human trafficking, some staff member’s require confidentiality in order to protect their and their family’s safety. Because of this, we can not publish the name of every staff member.

There have been times when Red Oak has worked with government authorities to directly rescue victims of human trafficking in something similar to a raid. However, we never force women to leave the industry if they aren’t ready and we do not believe that raids are the most effective way to fight human trafficking and exploitation. Instead, we focus on building relationships and helping women make their own choices regarding their own futures and freedom.

Red Oak Hope is a registered non-governmental, non-political, and non-profit organization. We are not registered as a religious organization but a humanitarian organization. Though our founders are motivated by Christian faith and belief in God’s heart for justice, we are inclusive and honoring of people of all faiths or no faiths in all aspects of our work-- including but not limited to staff, beneficiaries, donors, and volunteers.

Red Oak may be able to help if we have a field office or partners in the area, however we first recommend that you call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888 and call 911 for any emergency assistance. If you believe Red Oak may be of specific assistance, feel free to contact us at info@redoakhope.org.

Red Oak may be able to help if we have a field office or partners in your area, however we first recommend that you call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888 and call 911 for any emergency assistance.

If you believe Red Oak may be of specific assistance, feel free to contact us at info@redoakhope.org.