The Salvation Army Joins the Fight Against Human Trafficking in Aviation
By Devin Harrison /
The Salvation Army was an honored participant in an event focused on combatting human trafficking in aviation in mid-January in the historic lobby of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Hosted by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, “Clearing the Runway: Combatting Human Trafficking” brought together experts, professionals, and advocates to discuss and address this pressing and often unseen issue.
Alongside other subject matter experts, survivors shared powerful stories of their lived experiences, reinforcing the importance of awareness, prevention, and compassionate response.
“One survivor described the calculated tactics her trafficker forced her to use for recruitment in airports,” Sheena Evans, territorial services coordinator against human trafficking, says. “Targeting young women who were sitting alone, striking up seemingly friendly conversations, building quick rapport, and deliberately maintaining contact long after that first encounter.” Sheena explains that these are common tactics, but their deployment in an environment where most bystanders are so focused on travel is especially devious and dangerous.
Event attendees participated in an insightful panel discussion and a variety of thought-provoking sessions that defined human trafficking, explored its root causes, shared guidance on identifying and reporting warning signs, and highlighted the role of technology in detecting trafficking activity.
Major Wilma Mason from The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command spoke about the Army’s comprehensive services for survivors of human trafficking and the organization’s commitment to long-term restoration and healing. “We have taken significant steps to move forward in this area. In 2017, The Salvation Army opened Catherine’s Cottage in the Baltimore area. This residential emergency safe house is designed specifically for survivors of human trafficking.
“Catherine’s Cottage offers more than shelter. It offers a pathway to healing through holistic, strength-based, trauma-informed, survivor-informed services. Our goal is to meet survivors where they are and help them reclaim their lives with dignity and with hope.”
Other event sponsors and organizers included the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, American Airlines, the Blue Lightning Initiative Campaign, and the Capital City D.C. Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.
“Combatting human trafficking requires meaningful, coordinated partnerships,” Sheena shares. “When agencies and community organizations work together, they close the gaps traffickers exploit and strengthen prevention, protection, and survivor support. In a crime built on secrecy, unity is our strongest response.”