SWLA Abolitionists — a light for anyone in need
- Awareness.
- Prevention.
- Advocacy.
- Restoration.
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Help 24/7: 1-888-373-7888
Human trafficking is here. So are we.
Dedicated abolitionists working to end modern slavery in Southwest Louisiana through awareness, prevention, advocacy, and restoration.
Dive into what SWLA Abolitionists is all about
Learn about our mission to combat human trafficking in Southwest Louisiana.
We are dedicated abolitionists working to end modern slavery through awareness, prevention, advocacy, and restoration. Every life matters, and together we can make a difference.
Trafficking doesn't knock first. We already answered.
Meet our founder
The driving force behind SWLA Abolitionists' mission to end human trafficking.
I'm Rusty Havens, CEO of SWLA Abolitionists. I discovered the reality of human trafficking at a college conference in 2011, and shortly after, helped rescue a victim right outside of Lake Charles.
“When people told me trafficking didn't exist here, I knew better. I founded SWLA Abolitionists to expose the truth, support survivors, and equip our community—from teachers to law enforcement—to take action.”
“Since then, we've trained thousands, passed key legislation, and helped rescue and restore countless lives.”
Our mission
SWLA Abolitionists is dedicated to ending human trafficking through comprehensive action, community education, and unwavering advocacy for survivors.
See how we fight-
Raising awareness
We educate communities about the reality of human trafficking, dispelling myths and showing how close this issue can be to home.
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Prevention
We focus on educating vulnerable populations and those likely to encounter trafficking situations about warning signs and prevention.
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Restoration
We help survivors rebuild their lives by connecting them with resources for housing, employment, education, and healing.
How we fight human trafficking
Our comprehensive approach addresses every aspect of combating human trafficking, from prevention to restoration.
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Awareness
We raise awareness through local events, media interviews, billboards, and publications to educate communities about human trafficking.
- Community events
- Media engagement
- Educational materials
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Prevention
We educate vulnerable populations and those likely to encounter trafficking situations about warning signs and prevention steps.
- Vulnerability education
- Warning sign training
- Prevention strategies
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Advocacy
We advocate for protective laws, rally citizen support, and work directly with legislators to create change.
- Legislative advocacy
- Community organizing
- Policy reform
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Freedom
For children's cases, we facilitate connections with trusted law enforcement and anti-trafficking organizations.
- Law enforcement liaison
- Rescue coordination
- Emergency response
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Restoration
We help survivors rebuild their lives by providing resources for housing, employment, education, and healing.
- Housing assistance
- Employment support
- Educational resources
Types of human trafficking
Understanding different forms of human trafficking helps us recognize, prevent, and combat these crimes in our communities.
Tap any card to read more.
Labor trafficking
Hidden in plain sight
Forced labor is hidden in plain sight—right here in Louisiana. From crawfish plants to construction sites, victims are exploited through threats, abuse, and unpaid work. Many everyday products are tied to slave labor—learn the signs, ask questions, and speak up.
Sex trafficking
Community action works
Sex trafficking is the most reported type in the U.S., with many victims being American children. It's happening locally in brothels, fake massage parlors, and online ads—but progress is being made through community action and awareness.
Benefit trafficking
Targeting vulnerable populations
Happens to the elderly & people with disabilities. Traffickers pretend to be caregivers & take away food stamps, social security, retirement, veteran benefits & even force them into other types of trafficking like labor or sex.
Agricultural slavery
Success story
South Florida once had a reputation for slavery and abuse in farm fields. The Fair Food Program changed that by creating accountability among workers, growers, and buyers—proving ethical food is possible when we all get involved.
Organ trafficking
Global crime
This lesser-known crime involves the illegal removal and sale of organs, often targeting vulnerable people through deception or coercion. It happens worldwide, including the U.S.—proof that no place is immune.
Knowledge is power
Understanding these different forms of trafficking helps us all become part of the solution.
Report suspected trafficking: text FREE SWLA to 44321.
Modern slavery exists in our communities.
It's time to take action.
The red X stands for the End It Movement: a simple mark that says slavery should not exist anywhere, including the parishes we call home.
Learn more about human trafficking
Watch this important video and read survivor stories to understand the reality of human trafficking.
A voice of hope
Listen to this powerful survivor story about resilience, recovery, and the courage to help others heal from human trafficking.
From survivor to helper
This brave survivor shares their personal journey through trauma and recovery, demonstrating incredible strength and a desire to help others who have faced similar experiences.
Why their story matters
- Real experience: Authentic insight into the reality of human trafficking
- Hope for others: Shows that recovery and healing are possible
- Call to action: Inspires others to get involved in the fight against trafficking
Every survivor's story matters
Support our mission to help more survivors find their voice, heal from trauma, and transform their experiences into hope for others.
How you can help. By supporting SWLA Abolitionists, you're helping create a network of care and resources for survivors like the one featured in this video. Every contribution helps fund restoration services.
DonateUrgent action needed
Urge Congress to protect kids online
Every day, children are targeted by predators through social media, gaming, and streaming platforms. The STOP CSAM Act is a critical bill that holds tech companies accountable, improves transparency, and ensures stronger protections for kids from online sexual exploitation.
Join us in taking a stand to protect vulnerable children.
The STOP CSAM Act will require tech companies to:
- Report child sexual abuse material more effectively
- Implement stronger safety measures for minors
- Face accountability for protecting children
Your voice matters. Together, we can create a safer digital world for children everywhere.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Recognize the signs. Save a life. Get help 24/7.
Key warning signs
Minor commercial sex
Any minor involved in a commercial sex act is a trafficking victim. No force has to be shown.
Coercive control
Someone else speaks for them, threatens them, or decides who they can talk to.
Restricted movement
They can't come and go freely, or someone else holds their ID and documents.
Financial control
Their pay, benefits, or money are taken or controlled by someone else.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
24/7 emergency help
Anonymous • Confidential • Free
1-888-373-7888 Text 233733Every report matters. Your call could save someone's life.
Report suspected trafficking to us
Training that turns worry into action
You don't have to face this alone. We equip our community, from teachers to law enforcement, to recognize what's happening and know exactly who to call.
Community awareness presentations
Local events, media, billboards, and publications that dispel myths and show how close this issue is to home.
Prevention training
For schools, churches, and workplaces: warning signs and prevention steps for the people most likely to notice.
Educator and law enforcement training
Helping teachers and officers recognize the warning signs and take action.
Volunteering and monthly meetings
Join the SWLAA Monthly Meeting and lend a hand at events across Southwest Louisiana.
Mark your calendar
Upcoming events
Join us at these upcoming events and help us make a difference in the fight against human trafficking.
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18October
SWLAA Monthly Meeting
Crust Pizza · 3479 Nelson Rd, Lake Charles, LA
2:00 PM
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22October
SWLA Women's Conference
Lake Charles Event Center · Lake Charles, LA
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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24October
Resource Fest
DeQuincy Railroad Museum Park · DeQuincy, LA
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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21November
Be The Light Walk
DeRidder Veterans Park · DeRidder, LA
8:00 AM
Want to stay updated on our latest events?
Get involved
Every action matters
Join us in the fight against human trafficking. Together, we can create lasting change in Southwest Louisiana and beyond.
Get involvedVoices of support
Hear from our supporters who believe in the critical mission of ending human trafficking.
"There's nothing more important on this earth than human life and no cause that pulls at my heart stronger than the abolition of human trafficking. I'm so grateful to have a passionate force here in SWLA determined to fight for justice."
'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.' – MLK
"The idea of trafficking another individual, especially children and teens, is abhorrent. We must do all we can to end human trafficking ASAP. All people have inherent rights such as liberty and freedom."
"As a Christian, we are called to stand up against injustices and fight for people who have no voice. You can't read about Jesus and come to the conclusion that he wouldn't be advocating for ending slavery. If we are called to reflect Christ, we need to stand for what he stands for."
"Sean and I give to SWLAA because we believe that human trafficking is something that needs to be fought and brought to the light. We are blessed that we have a local organization that works so hard for the victims, it is what we would want someone to do for our daughters."
"The reason I give monthly is because I have no doubt in my mind how the money is being used. I know that my support is going to help so many people who are often overlooked by others. SWLAA is out there doing things that most people don't have the courage to do, and anything I can do to help them I will."
Get in touch
Ready to join the fight against human trafficking? Contact us today to learn how you can make a difference in Southwest Louisiana.
