Endless blue ocean, tasty local cuisine, and friendly local residents. There are many reasons why tourists are attracted to the city of Cebu in the Philippines. But, sadly, it also shares the notoriety of an international hub for child prostitution along with other parts of the world. Young girls are sold into prostitution in Cebu by their parents. They look for a blond hair sugar daddy to fill their needs in exchange for sex. My Refuge House, a California based organization, therefore works to rescue and rehabilitate these children with wounded hearts. In this interview, Crystal Sprague discusses her passion to rescue these children to bring them hope and future.
ABOUT MY REFUGE HOUSE
Q: Tell us about your organization
In 2007, a woman in California read a book entitled “Terrify No More” by Gary Haugen. Upon reading this book, she became convinced of her responsibility to take action for survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE). She petitioned her local church concerning the issue and advocated for these young victims. Her local church of around 100 members decided that they too would take responsibility to act on this issue. However, convicted of the need to give assistance to girls they had never met, they agreed to use the money they’d raised for their own building to start My Refuge House in Cebu. Now, the mission has expanded to include partners and churches all over the world, however, this small church is still a vital presence in the support they give to MRH.
Our organization is set up as a 501c3 in California, but our safe home resides in Cebu, Philippines, We also hope to replicate the model in other places that may need similar services. MRH provides an immediate safe home to young women and children rescued from sex trafficking in the Philippines.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN CEBU
Q: What's causing human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children in Cebu?
There are many factors contributing to the exploitation that happens in Cebu. A few of the reasons are lack of education about the issue and lack of education in general, poverty, vulnerability, powerful people taking advantage of those who are less fortunate, and a demand for the services that these survivors provide.
Q: What do you think is the biggest challenge in fighting against human trafficking in Cebu?
Creating awareness and finding people who are willing to act about the realities of trafficking that exist in the city. Although most people are aware of the issue in some sense, the understanding of the atrocities that happen is limited and often misguided. Creating awareness around the world is key to stopping the issues of forced labor that pervade our earth.
Q: How does your organization contribute to fight against human trafficking in Cebu?
We aim to promote growth and healing from Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) through the provision of a holistic and comprehensive program that includes emotional, physical, social, educational and spiritual dimensions of well-being. We provide a short term, residential safe home that uses holistic approaches intended to empower participants by addressing the complex needs of each individual. MRH accomplishes this through excellent clinical programs and collaboration with the aftercare community locally and globally.
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Q: How can people support your organization?
Financial needs are always prevalent because good, therapeutic residential care is expensive. Anyway can support our organization by making a donation online at www.myrefugehouse.org or mailing a donation to P.O. Box 4864, Diamond Bar, CA 91765-0864.
Many people like to hold events for MRH also, and these are very helpful because they are usually able to raise money and increase awareness about this key issue. If you would be interested in hosting an event for MRH, please contact us at info@myrefugehouse.org.
Currently, our most pressing need is funds for our building project. At the moment we have developed only part of our property, giving us the ability to take in 10-12 girls at any one time. However, we have plans in motion to increase our capacity by an additional 30-35 girls.The blueprints are finished, the permits have been obtained, the laborers are ready and waiting, we only need funds to set the plan in motion.
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