Leading the Fight to End Human Trafficking in Online Dating
Seeking has always been committed to the fight of ending sex and human trafficking. By developing anti-trafficking strategies including ongoing staff training by independent third-party organizations, A.I. technology that monitors all profiles and a dedicated 24-hour customer service department, we take every precaution available to keep the Seeking community safe, prevent crime, rescue victims, and apprehend criminals.
By leading the charge in creating dating industry standards, Seeking is committed to its partnership with Freedom Light, a tax-exempt organization also devoted to ending sex and human trafficking. By providing training to all staff—from the executive team to entry-level employees—Seeking is at the forefront of companies wanting a higher standard of expectations.
About Freedom Light
The Internet has made it easier than ever for traffickers to profit from exploitation. Every day, social media and online communities are targeted by criminals to facilitate the recruitment of victims and promotion of commercial sex.
In violation of their terms of use, these clandestine illicit activities typically occur unknowingly to website administrators. Freedom Light assists such companies in identifying red flags, intervening on behalf of victims, and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Freedom Light provides operational guidance, thought-leadership, best practice training and technical assistance for socially responsible companies willing to do their part to combat human trafficking. Through a carefully crafted, evidence-based and victim-centered approach, Freedom Light empowers companies to improve their human rights performance, while addressing the concerns of consumers, regulators, and investors.
Freedom Light will collaborate with victim service organizations, law enforcement, and private companies to implement effective, evidence-based intervention strategies that prioritize the safety and well-being of trafficking survivors.
Freedom Light is a privately funded 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization.
For more information about Freedom Light, please visit freedomlight.org.
Dr. Kimberly Mehlman‑Orozco
Freedom Light
Executive Director and Founder
Dr. Kimberly Mehlman-Orozco is an accomplished survey methodologist, research scientist, and quantitative and qualitative consultant on issues related to human trafficking. She is one of the few researchers with a background to qualify as an expert witness and subject matter expert on human trafficking in criminal and civil court. Her work is published in books, peer-reviewed journals, magazines, and news outlets. She has served as a peer reviewer for human trafficking publications and taught human trafficking material at the No. 1 ranked criminology school in the country—University of Maryland College Park. In addition to her position at Freedom Light, Dr. Mehlman-Orozco volunteers with and donates to Soroptimist International of Woodbridge and Manassas City Police Department Team Quest—a diversion program for at-risk youth.
The Numbers Behind
Sex and Human Trafficking*
75%
Victims who reported having a history of physical or sexual abuse.[1]
30,000
Mortality rate of sex trafficking victims each year.[2]
$32 Billion
Amount that the underground human trafficking industry is valued at.[2]
7%
Predators who are convicted of human trafficking.[1]
89%
Female victims who wanted a way out but didn’t know where to turn for help.[1]
40,300,000
Victims of human trafficking.[1]
To report suspected human trafficking to Federal law enforcement, please call (866) 347-2423.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.
For more information on Seeking’s safety practices, visit our Help Center’s resource on safety tips and precautions here: seeking.com/safety
Know the facts and how to spot sex and human trafficking
Connect with Dr. Kimberly Mehlman-Orozco
Connect with Freedom Light
References
1. Source. (2021). Know the Numbers. sourcemn.org/human-trafficking.
2. Slave 2 Nothing. (2021). Let’s End Human Trafficking Where We Live. slave2nothing.org/human-trafficking.
3. Salvation Army. (n.d.). twitter.com/SalvationArmyNJ/status/1350163371895750658.
4. ILO. (2019). (rep.). 2019 Data Report.
