A Mission Close to My Heart
I couldn’t put down the newspaper. On the back page of US Today was a horrifyingly descriptive article about the mindset of an online predator. The perpetrator had been grooming children only for many years, only to finally be arrested, convicted, and serving a 30-year sentence. Something about his words hit home with me in a way I can’t describe. I immediately left the conference I was at, searched for organization dedicated to eliminating human trafficking and online exploitation and volunteered at Shared Hope International. That was in 2014 and changed everything…
Over the last decade of volunteering with organizations dedicated to combating human trafficking, I have witnessed the devastating toll it takes on individuals, families, and communities. Each survivor’s story is unique, but they all share a common thread: resilience. These survivors are a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and overcome unimaginable hardship. Their courage is what drives us here at Guardify —at our core, our mission is about bringing justice and providing the tools to fight for the vulnerable.
Human trafficking is an issue that transcends borders, cultures, and socioeconomic divides. It preys on the vulnerable, exploiting their hopes and dreams. It’s not just a distant problem; it happens in our neighborhoods, in plain sight. Despite this, it remains one of the most underreported and misunderstood crimes. Awareness is the first step toward change, and as leaders in the technology space, we have a responsibility to contribute to this fight.
Awareness: Shining a Light in the Darkness
Awareness is a powerful tool. It’s what transforms bystanders into advocates and ignorance into action. Over the years, I’ve seen how education can empower communities to recognize the signs of trafficking, understand its complexities, and know how to respond. By sharing stories, hosting training sessions, and partnering with local organizations, we can dismantle the veil of secrecy that traffickers rely on.
At Guardify, we integrate awareness into everything we do. From providing resources to law enforcement to supporting educational campaigns, our goal is to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and tools they need to make a difference. Awareness doesn’t just save lives; it restores hope.
Prevention: Building a Wall of Protection
Preventing human trafficking starts with addressing its root causes: poverty, lack of education, inequality, and systemic vulnerabilities. Through my volunteer work, I’ve seen firsthand how community programs, mentorship initiatives, and accessible resources can create opportunities that break the cycle of exploitation. Prevention is not just about intervening when trafficking occurs; it’s about ensuring it never happens in the first place.
As a company, we’ve committed to supporting prevention efforts by leveraging technology. By enabling secure communication, evidence tracking, and collaboration, our tools empower organizations to identify potential risks and intervene before exploitation occurs. Technology can’t solve everything, but it can amplify the efforts of those working tirelessly on the front lines.
Restoration: Healing the Broken Pieces
Survivors of human trafficking face a long and challenging journey toward healing. They need more than justice; they need restoration. This means access to safe housing, counseling, education, and job opportunities. It means treating survivors with dignity and respect, listening to their stories, and ensuring they are supported every step of the way.
For the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with organizations that specialize in restoration. Watching survivors rebuild their lives, regain their confidence, and find joy again is nothing short of inspiring. These experiences shape how I lead at Guardify. We collaborate with nonprofits and advocacy groups to ensure survivors have the resources they need, whether that’s through financial contributions, technology, or simply showing up to lend a hand.
Justice: The Beacon of Hope
Justice is at the heart of what we do at Guardify. We provide digital evidence management solutions that empower law enforcement and legal professionals to build airtight cases against traffickers. Every piece of evidence, every secure chain of custody, and every successful conviction sends a powerful message: trafficking will not be tolerated.
But justice isn’t just about convictions. It’s about ensuring survivors’ voices are heard and their rights are upheld. It’s about creating systems that hold perpetrators accountable while addressing the societal conditions that allow trafficking to thrive. This is why we continuously innovate, ensuring our technology evolves to meet the needs of those on the front lines of justice.
A Call to Action
As we begin a new year, I’m reminded of why I started this journey. It wasn’t just about technology or business; it was about making a meaningful impact. Human trafficking is a complex issue, but together, we can create a world where every individual is safe, free, and valued.
I encourage each of you to get involved. Volunteer your time, donate to organizations doing critical work, educate yourself and others, and use your voice to advocate for change. Organizations like the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Shared Hope, Thorn, and the Tim Tebow Foundation exist to equip, educate, and enable you to join the fight. Please get involved where you can. At Guardify, we’ll continue to do our part, driven by a mission that extends beyond profit and into the heart of justice and humanity.
Together, we can bring light to the darkest corners and hope to the most vulnerable among us.
Ben Jackson,
CEO, Guardify
