01 Oct SAFE Partners: From Washington Roots to Global Impact
Together, We’re Making a Difference
The majority of SAFE’s partners serve on the frontlines creating exit ramps for survivors of sexual exploitation. This month, we’re highlighting partners from Southern Washington and East King County who are engaging men, supporting survivors both locally and globally, and advancing justice through law enforcement and prosecuting attorney’s offices.
Come meet Epik Project, Shared Hope International, our allies in prosecution and law enforcement, and Atlas Free.
Disrupting Exploitation at Its Root Cause
Trafficking is at an all-time high—and so is male loneliness. Epik Project tackles both by bringing men together, building community, and addressing sexual exploitation at its root: demand.
Through innovative programs, Epik has disrupted hundreds of thousands of sex-buying calls, engaging buyers directly at the point of sale. In addition, Epik has launched two prevention initiatives:
- My Friends Are Not For Sale — a peer-to-peer program rolling out in schools across Southwest Washington, supported by grants from SAFE; and
- Stronger — a program promoting healthy masculinity among young male athletes ages 14–24. Currently piloted with a local NCAA football team, Stronger is in active conversations for expansion to the NFL.
With guidance from survivors, Epik Project is reshaping culture and making a lasting dent in exploitation.
End Demand, End Sex Trafficking
Advocating for Children, Advancing Justice
Shared Hope International is committed to ending sex trafficking through prevention, restoration, and justice. They train first responders and communities to recognize warning signs and intervene for child victims.
Awareness campaigns, such as The White Van Campaign, debunk myths about trafficking and highlight how it is rarely starts with kidnapping, but more often begins with kids online. Globally, Share Hope supports survivor-centered programs that provide safe housing, medical care, education, therapy, and vocational support.
Shared Hope also advances policy reform by grading states on child sex trafficking laws and equipping lawmakers with legal analysis. Through initiatives like the JuST Response project, they work to end the criminalization of child victims and expand trauma-informed services.
Through relentless advocacy, survivor leadership, and a commitment to justice, Shared Hope is creating a future where every child is protected, valued, and free.
Justice in Action: Law Enforcement & Prosecutors
Washington’s dedicated civil servants are critical to ending sex trafficking in our state. They are also key partners with SAFE. Detectives and prosecutors not only bring their expertise to this fight, but serve directly on SAFE’s board, ensuring survivor voices and justice remain central to our work.
Our state has undergone a remarkable transformation. Twenty years ago, it was standard practice to arrest exploited teens while men who purchased sex often received little more than a warning. Today, Washington is leading the way in flipping that script: teens are recognized as victims and offered services and care, while buyers and traffickers are prosecuted and held accountable for the harm they cause.
This progress is possible because of dedicated law enforcement and prosecuting attorneys who bring both courage and compassion to the pursuit of justice.
A Global Movement for Freedom
Based in Kirkland, Washington, Atlas Free is building a global movement to put sex trafficking and exploitation out of business. Since 2012, they have reached over a million people through prevention, outreach, aftercare, awareness, and intervention. Working in Washington and across dozens of countries, Atlas Free unites frontline organizations with funders, advocates, and everyday people to maximize impact and dismantle trafficking.
Atlas Free attacks trafficking from every angle: holding traffickers accountable, providing survivors with safe housing, trauma care, and pathways to healing, and advancing prevention to stop exploitation before it starts. They also shape policy and advocacy efforts to protect the most vulnerable.
By equipping and accelerating local leaders and initiatives, Atlas Free is creating a stronger, more connected global response—one that brings freedom within reach for millions both here at home and around the globe.
End Sex Trafficking for All Children
Collective Strength, Lasting Change
Thank you for meeting our frontline partners. Ending trafficking takes all of us. By connecting frontline partners and community support, SAFE turns individual efforts into collective change. Thank you for standing with us.
Want to learn more? Schedule a coffee meeting or contact SAFE’s Director at audrey@safeinwashington.com.