Birmingham Community Rallies Against Human Trafficking with Laura Domingue
Birmingham is buzzing with a vibrant spirit of community engagement, particularly in the fight against human trafficking. One local advocate, Laura Domingue, has made it her mission to raise awareness and combat this heartbreaking issue that affects individuals in our city and beyond.
A Journey Begins
Laura’s journey into the world of human trafficking began years ago during a trip to Europe. Traveling with friends, she was introduced to the disturbing realities of sexual exploitation. It was a shocking experience that tugged at her heartstrings and led her to support initiatives combating trafficking abroad.
However, upon returning home, she was faced with a startling truth—human trafficking occurs right here in the United States. The knowledge weighed heavily on her, especially as a mother of five. “As a mom,” she said, “I just couldn’t imagine this happening to my daughter or sons.” With a newfound purpose, Laura and her husband, Lee, founded Trafficking Hope in 2007. The organization aims to raise public awareness around sexual exploitation and to provide hope to survivors.
Community Impact
Since its inception, Trafficking Hope has expanded its reach to 22 states, making strides in the fight against human trafficking. The couple moved to Birmingham after attending an event at the Church of the Highlands, feeling an immediate connection to the church and community. The Domingues have now called Birmingham home for nearly a decade.
Laura emphasizes that “human trafficking can happen ANYWHERE,” regardless of economic status or geographical location. It is fundamentally an exploitation of vulnerability. This understanding prompted her to develop the CARES Initiative—an acronym that stands for Coalition, Awareness, Rescue, Education, and Services. This initiative aims to equip local churches and organizations with resources to tackle the issue effectively.
Education and Resources
The CARES Initiative offers free resources to any faith-based organization keen on engaging their community in the fight against trafficking. Additionally, Laura provides a free small-group training curriculum accessible to both men and women. “It really takes everyone—from lawmakers and first responders to families, businesses, and teachers—to get involved,” she remarked, highlighting the collective efforts needed to combat this widespread issue.
A Story of Transformation
One of the most inspiring stories to emerge from Laura’s work is that of a young girl who was rescued from trafficking. Initially, the girl struggled to make eye contact and displayed signs of deep emotional scars. However, as Laura continued to support her, the young girl eventually beamed with joy, declaring, “Mrs. Laura! Mrs. Laura! I got my smile back! Thank you!”
This poignant moment serves as a reminder of the positive impact that can be made through efforts to restore dignity and hope to victims of trafficking. The Domingues were able to help the girl get dental work done, a simple yet powerful act that significantly impacted her recovery journey.
Getting Involved
Laura invites individuals interested in supporting the fight against human trafficking to visit the Trafficking Hope website for more resources and ways to get involved. “None of us are as good as all of us,” she reiterated, emphasizing the importance of a united front in addressing such a serious issue.
Life Beyond Advocacy
When Laura isn’t working to combat trafficking, she enjoys spending time with her family. With four sons now married and eight grandchildren, Laura has embraced the chaos that comes with family gatherings. “It’s the most fun. I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she said. Now navigating her new role as an empty nester, she reflects on the importance of being present and enjoying every season of life.
From her favorite vacation spot in Beaver Creek, Colorado, to her love for simple joys like coffee and sunsets, Laura Domingue represents the heart of community spirit here in Birmingham. Through her tireless dedication to ending human trafficking, she inspires others to take action and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
