Our Story
SOAR (formerly Victims Refuse Silence) incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2015. But the work truly took shape when founder Virginia Giuffre underwent her own personal transformation from victim to survivor. Giuffre is perhaps the most prominent survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes, but he was not her first abuser. By the time she met Epstein, when she was 16, Giuffre had already been sexually trafficked by another man. It would take her more than two years to escape Epstein after meeting her now husband, Robert. Upon becoming a mother, Giuffre resolved to take action, reclaiming her own story so that subsequent generations would not have to endure what she had. Giuffre has relentlessly named and testified against her abusers, engaged with media, and served as an advocate for anti-trafficking measures. Her candor and determination have inspired survivors from across the globe to share their own stories and seek support. Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) officially launched in November of 2021. At this early stage, we are not yet accepting donations.
Our Work
Building on Giuffre’s work, SOAR provides a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and survivors everywhere. Through media appearances, speaking engagements, and public education campaigns, SOAR raises awareness and ensures that the voices of survivors are featured in the fight to end sex trafficking. SOAR tackles the policies and procedures that prevent more survivors from coming forward by partnering with legal teams to provide compelling testimony—from statutes of limitations to how victims are treated in the criminal justice and court systems.
Get the Facts
The United States State Department defines sex trafficking as when a person is required to engage in a commercial sex act as the result of force, threats of force, fraud, coercion or any combination of such means.
Human trafficking encompasses several types of exploitation such as forced labor, sex trafficking and forced marriage.
Although not all sex work is considered trafficking, it’s important to know that if you are selling sex or performing sexual acts against your will, you are legally a trafficking victim. Common types of sex trafficking include escort services, pornography, illicit massage businesses, brothels, and outdoor solicitation.
I do this for victims everywhere. I am no longer the young and vulnerable girl who could be bullied. I am now a survivor, and nobody can ever take that away from me. ~Virginia Giuffre
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is in need of help, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English or Spanish, or in more than 200 additional languages through an on-call interpreter.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects the victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and support to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases. The Trafficking Hotline is operated by Polaris.
1-888-373-7888
If you, or someone you know, is/may be the victim of trafficking, please do not hesitate to reach out.