At Atlas Free, we believe in the power of a network. Whether you’ve been with us for a while or you’re just getting to know our work, this idea sits at the heart of what we do. Because in the fight against sex trafficking, connection is essential.
Too often, frontline leaders are doing this work in isolation. They’re facing resistance, working against the grain of their culture, and navigating incredibly difficult situations without the support they need. They don’t have a community of like-minded people beside them and people who understand, encourage, and collaborate.
That’s the gap we’re here to fill.
Recently, we brought together 11 organizations from across Latin America—and one from Europe—for three days in Costa Rica. More than 20 leaders gathered to share strategies, swap stories, and support each other in their fight for freedom. Some gave presentations on their work, and others shared the burdens they carry. Everyone showed up with courage.
We heard stories of brothel raids, death threats, and investigations into police-sponsored child trafficking. Stories of survivors bravely testifying in court. Stories of injustice, resilience, and the daily cost of standing up to exploitation. The time was heavy, but never hopeless.
A Network Member from Mexico said:
“We are so grateful to be a part of this network and to learn from each other and work together. It makes us feel less alone.”
The work these leaders do is anything but easy. They face the darkness of sex traffickers, pedophiles, and corrupt systems. Their work is dangerous. It costs them something. Every day, they choose to step into that darkness and push back.
But for a few days in Costa Rica, they had space to breathe, to rest, and to learn from one another. Over shared meals and conversations, they talked about how trafficking takes shape in their countries and how they’re fighting it. They compared tactics, shared breakthroughs, and reminded each other they’re not alone.
This is the power of the Atlas Free Network: A place of strength, solidarity, and shared vision. A reminder that we’re stronger together.
Patric and the Project Suma team provide aftercare support to women who have been victims of sexual exploitation and prostitution in El Alto, Bolivia. They’ve been a part of the Atlas Free Network since 2017. Right now, they’re working on the demand side of commercial sex by supporting men who wish to stop purchasing sex, which will address a key driver of exploitation and trafficking.
“We deeply appreciated the opportunity to connect with others, learn about the challenges they face in their contexts, and identify insights we can already apply, for example, in our advocacy work here in El Alto, Bolivia.” –Patric Hansen.
Eveling and the Mexico RED team have been a Network Member since 2024.
Their mission is to reach the poorest children in Mexico, primarily along the Mexico-U.S. border area around Tijuana, by meeting their essential needs and through spiritual discipleship. They are also advocates, speaking out and providing a voice and presence where children need advocacy, are vulnerable and at-risk, and deeply in need of God’s love.
The way they do this is through an elementary school for 30 children, mostly of marginalized women involved with drugs and prostitution, as well as a tutoring program for 10 secondary schools in the red-light district in Tijuana. The goal is to bring children into a knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ while discipling them through scripture and education. They are also actively working not only in preventing child trafficking but also in the arrest and prosecution of predators.
The Amar Dragoste team has been an Atlas Free Network Member since 2017. Spain is one of the main destinations for people who are victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, with approximately 350,000 women engaged in prostitution and around 80% being migrant women, mostly from countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Nigeria, Romania, Russia, or Ukraine.
Amar Dragoste focuses on identifying and supporting women who are victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation, prostitution, or at risk of social exclusion in Spain. Atlas Free’s long-term partnership has resulted in growth from one to 12 locations across 10 cities in Spain, a growing team, and a life-changing impact on many people. They fill a crucial gap in sustainable freedom and long-term recovery by providing survivors with job skills, income, and a newfound sense of purpose.
They just opened a day center this year to provide a safe and confidential environment where survivors of sex trafficking receive specialized care and support as they navigate their recovery, rehabilitation, and social reintegration. The new center will address the immediate needs of victims, offering short-term solutions, while also focusing on long-term recovery through access to practical resources, tools, and job opportunities.
To learn more about the Atlas Free Network, click here.
