SAN
DIEGO, Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- January
marks Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the
millions of individuals affected by modern-day slavery and to
recognize the ongoing work being done to fight this global crisis.
In Southern California, Unbranded
for a Fresh Start, a program created by Fresh Start Surgical Gifts,
is playing a pivotal role in empowering survivors of human
trafficking by providing free tattoo removal, scar revision and
related medical services to help survivors reclaim their lives and
identities.
Unbranded for a Fresh Start offers
confidential, no-cost services, including tattoo removal and scar
revision.
"Human trafficking is a heinous violation of human rights,
affecting countless women, men and children worldwide," said
Michelle Pius, chief development
officer of Unbranded for a Fresh Start. "This month, we stand
united with survivors and emphasize the importance of their
physical and emotional healing. Removing the tattoos and scars
forced upon them by their traffickers is a powerful step toward
reclaiming their sense of self."
For many survivors, tattoos are not just markings; they are
painful reminders of a past filled with abuse, exploitation and
trauma. These forced tattoos, often used to brand victims as
property, can be an ongoing source of pain long after an individual
escapes their perpetrators. Unbranded for a Fresh Start offers
confidential, no-cost services, including tattoo removal and scar
revision performed in a safe, supportive environment to help
survivors progress in their healing journey.
Ali Evans, a survivor of human
trafficking, described the transformative impact of removing the
physical marks of her past. "I truly believe I survived for a
reason," she said. "Thanks to Unbranded for a Fresh Start, watching
the scars fade feels like releasing the last thing that's tying me
to that experience. It's a powerful reminder that healing is
possible, and I want others to know they can find it too."
Unbranded for a Fresh Start is part of the larger effort to
combat human trafficking and provide care to survivors in
Southern California. In this
region, an estimated 8,000 children are trafficked each year.
According to FBI reports, the average age of victims is just 16
years old, making it critical to provide both immediate support and
long-term resources for healing.
"We've seen firsthand how Unbranded for a Fresh Start gives
survivors the chance to heal in a way that goes beyond physical
recovery," said Jill Granquist RN,
BSN, medical program director at Unbranded for a Fresh Start. "The
process of removing a trafficker's mark offers hope and healing.
It's a crucial step in restoring their dignity, confidence and
future."
In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Unbranded for a
Fresh Start is actively accepting applications from survivors in
need of tattoo removal, scar revision and other reconstructive
procedures. Each donation of as little as $10 a month helps provide the critical medical
supplies needed to support these transformative procedures. By
supporting this vital cause, individuals can play a key role in
helping survivors reclaim their identities and build a brighter,
more hopeful future.
For more information on Unbranded or to donate,
visit UnbrandedforaFrestStart.org. For media inquiries,
please contact PR@TeamInnoVision.com. Esta información y el
comunicado de prensa están disponibles en español para los medios
de comunicación que así lo requieran.
About Unbranded for a Fresh Start
Long after survivors escape the world of human trafficking, the
pain of forceful branding and bodily trauma remains. With a mission
to heal and rehabilitate, Unbranded for a Fresh Start is a new
program that mends the physical trauma of human trafficking by
providing complimentary tattoo removal, scar revisions and related
treatments to survivors of human trafficking. Given how
difficult reintroduction to society can be, these services are
vital to help survivors heal both physically and mentally. With
Unbranded for a Fresh Start, all appointments are entirely
confidential and always held in a safe and supportive environment.
For more information on Unbranded for a Fresh Start, to donate or
to apply, please visit UnbrandedForAFreshStart.org.
Contact:
Karla Nafarrate
Vice President of Public Relations
InnoVision Marketing Group
Karla@TeamInnoVision.com
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SOURCE Unbranded for a Fresh Start
