By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Human trafficking is still a subject that most people don’t want to talk about. It is even harder to imagine that this crime happens in small towns like Oxford—but it does. The Oxford Police Department has witnessed cases of human trafficking in Oxford and the surrounding areas.

Since human trafficking is a crime, it is hard to decipher the actual number of victims. The National Human Trafficking Hotline provides a partial picture based on reported cases, and has documented 676 potential victims in Pennsylvania for 2024 alone.

Interstate 95, which passes approximately 14 miles from Oxford, has long been identified by law enforcement and anti-trafficking organizations as a major corridor for human trafficking. Trafficking can occur anywhere, but the strategic location and high traffic volume of I-95 make it a “hotbed” for the crime. I-95 connects major cities, providing a direct access to major urban areas along the East Coast, from Miami to Philadelphia, New York, and north to the Canadian border. These cities are often major markets for commercial sex. This route provides a quick and discreet way to transport victims, by private vehicles, rental cars, and other methods, to move people between different cities and markets. The area is filled with hotels, motels, and truck stops, which are common venues for human trafficking, and victims can be moved quickly across state lines, which complicates prosecution.

To make matters worse, for years the trafficked person was arrested and the guilty trafficker was left untouched. 

Thankfully, times are changing. People are being educated to see the signs of a trafficked individual. Hotels and motels have also started educating their employees so they can identify the crime. There are also facilities that are set up to help the survivors of human trafficking.

Thistle Hills is one of those facilities. The executive director is Reverend Sherry Deets, who was recently a speaker at the ACE (Advocating, Collaborating, Educating) Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance of Oxford. ACE met at the Senior Center to hear more about this amazing organization.

Thistle Hills is a non-profit organization, modeled after a highly successful program based in Nashville, Tennessee, with a mission to provide a residential program that has the capacity to create lasting change for participants and survivors of human trafficking. They offer holistic healing and empowerment to assist survivors of trafficking and addiction in transforming their lives in a safe, supportive residential environment. The program model addresses the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual needs of each resident. The staff, community partners and volunteers assist the women on their journey by providing ongoing treatments, educational tools and case management to successfully matriculate through their four-phased process.  

They support their survivors through the following initiatives:

• Providing a 24-month, rent-free, home environment based on a community living model for up to four women at a time;
• Peer and staff support to help residents live honest, sober, and self-sufficient lives through peer support and one-on-one sessions on community living, education, recovery, and healthy coping;
• Educational and vocational opportunities;
• Individual goal setting and accountability to foster self-understanding through personal and spiritual growth;
• Offering referrals and support needed to recover from childhood abuse and to fully understand the role it plays in trafficking and addiction;
• Supportive services to mitigate legal challenges;
• Medical, dental, and mental health treatment;
• Case management;
• A matched savings program for income and asset development.

Thistle Hills is based on the following values:

• Show radical hospitality and love to residents, so they can take control of their lives;
• Demonstrate spiritual principles by celebrating the diversity and commonality of humanity;
• Use love as a healing gift and the most powerful force for change in the world;
• Acknowledge that everyone’s journey matters and with unconditional support residents will find their path;
• Build a lifelong sisterhood of compassionate, disciplined support where everyone can flourish and grow.

Thistle Hill serves women from Chester County and areas near Coatesville who are survivors of trafficking—commercial sexual exploitation, and addiction that deserve a second chance at life.

Deets, who served for 23 years at the Episcopal Church of the Trinity in Coatesville, pointed out, “Recognizing trafficking can be challenging, as victims can often live and work in plain sight, as a coworker, as a neighbor, and even someone who sits next to you in church or at a little league game.”

She continued, “Like other types of interpersonal and intimate partner violence, the signs aren’t universal and change depending on the person and their situation.”

There are some signs that people can look for if they suspect that a person might be a victim of human trafficking. The victim may have unstable living situations or may be experiencing homelessness and might be involved in fast-moving romantic relationships with noticeable power, financial, and age disparities. They may have restricted movement, such as being accompanied everywhere, not allowed to drive, or hesitating to speak when alone. There may be signs of physical abuse, including bruises, burns or untreated injuries. There may be a lack of control over personal finances, with money being taken or restricted. There could be signs of coercion, such as providing sexual services under intimidation or threat, or emotional trauma, including fear, anxiety, isolation, or low self-esteem. Substance abuse is often used as a coping mechanism.

If you suspect trafficking, like something that just doesn’t sit right, trust your instincts and take action. Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.

As far as the success of the program at Thistle Hills, one recent graduate wrote:

“Thistle Hills has been a blessing in my life in many ways.  This program has helped me maintain 1 year of sobriety by providing me with a stable and safe place to live where I’ve connected with many different providers to help me transition from the lost hopeless existence I once called life into a fresh new chapter of the rest of my life. One with endless possibilities and countless dreams.  Thanks to Thistle Hills, I am currently employed part-time, at a job I really enjoy.  I have a bank account and have begun to rebuild my credit. Our program is more than a program, it is my refuge. I still encounter fears and periods of doubt, but they are fleeting.  Probably because I have become more self-aware and now practice a large variety of coping skills I've learned along the way.  Today I feel supported. Today I know God has a plan for my life. Today I have hope of a better tomorrow. Today I know I am not alone nor am I forgotten.

My favorite thing to do here this year was to start a garden from seedlings. I absolutely loved the entire process from sowing seeds to watering and maintaining the garden beds to actually harvesting and eating the vegetables we grew. The fact that we only have 4 women here means we all get individual support and encouragement as we learn to live together and face the obstacles in front of us together. There is so much about daily activities that will help me as I transition from here. Most importantly I've been learning how to ask for the things I need help with and also to admit the things I am struggling with.  

The biggest lesson I have learned so far is how to relax and let things unfold naturally.  I knew I needed a long-term place in order to establish my footing so when I found out that this was a 2-year program I felt a sense of relief. I am confident that in this 2 year journey, I will be able to get a solid foundation in my recovery as well as prepare for the road ahead.  The thing I am most proud of is my commitment to this program and myself. I don't ever want to look back, I'm so happy to wake up every day with a sense of peace and well-being. 

I hope it is clear how Thistle Hills has impacted every aspect of my life: financially, mentally, physically and spiritually.

One thing I'd want everyone to know is just how important this program is to me and the other ladies it serves.  All of you not only impact our lives but the lives of our loved ones and children.  The ripple effect that this program has is not to be taken lightly.  Thistle Hills’ mission has been absolutely life-changing for me. So I say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Additional information can be found at the website www.thistlehills.org.