Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2983

Tonight's special guest is Harold D'Souza from Cincinnati, Ohio, co-founder of Eyes Open International, a non-profit group focused on combating human trafficking through empowerment. He explains, "We consult various levels of government and develop methods of cultivating resilience, hope, and freedom in vulnerable populations as well as organize and participate in talks, seminars, group discussions, and special events that promote human trafficking awareness and survivor-led methods." Harold is a Survivor-Advocate. His experience has given him a new purpose and meaning in life. Originally from India, Harold D'Souza is a survivor of labor trafficking and debt bondage in the United States of America. He came to the US following the advice and encouragement of a man who would become his trafficker. For over 18 months, Harold was exploited at the hands of the human trafficker, losing his freedom and struggling to keep his family safe. Modern slavery is almost invisible, yet it exists in areas all over the world including the USA. "We lead the charge against modern-day slavery", he says, "by using survivor-informed expertise to combat human trafficking. Our organization relies on grassroots methods to transform victims into survivors, inspiring them to lead a happy life free of bondage. We want to empower individuals and communities around the world so that they may forge their path forward with their Eyes Open." Harold strives to be the voice of courage, hope, and freedom for trafficking victims. He has been invited to speak throughout the United States and around the world. As of spring 2022, two different films are in production telling Harold's story.