The Lighthouse Operation
Humanitarian Social Innovations is proud to welcome The Lighthouse Operation to our community of social entrepreneurs.
Each year, millions of young men and women suffer through sex trafficking. While the U.S. Department of State notes that approximately half of these victims are male, as of 2008 there were only two shelters in the United States dedicated to helping males. The Lighthouse Operation was established to help fill this need by providing 24-hour, comprehensive residential care for underage male survivors of sex trafficking.
“It wasn’t until I started conducting research that it became abundantly clear how underserved these young men are. Government agencies are recognizing that males make up to 50% of sexually trafficked victims, yet when we think about sex trafficking, we often only consider the female population being affected,” said Cori Kohlhagen, founder and president of The Lighthouse Operation.
She said that males are significantly less likely to receive appropriate help than females due to the negative connotations and gender biases that are associated with their victimization.
“This leads to sky-rocketing recidivism and suicide rates, among other devastating consequences. I want to create a dialogue about these children that is very different… one that is free from judgement and feels safe for them to come forth and get the help that they need and deserve,” Kohlhagen said.
The Lighthouse Operation is based in Denver and offers a multitude of services to not only support male victims of sex trafficking, but also empower them to heal and pursue a fulfilling life. Services include trauma-focused counseling and therapy, life skills, development of long-term career goals, substance abuse support, educational opportunities, connection to legal and medical services, and new skill and hobby development.
About the Founder
Kohlhagen has been passionate about stopping sex trafficking ever since she learned about the pervasiveness of the issue and the atrocities that young men and women endure in the sex trade.
“I was consumed and horrified by this knowledge, and spent years researching this multifaceted and complex issue,” she said. “I felt a deep, spiritual calling to help somehow, but it took several years before I identified what I was being asked to do.”
In 2018 Kohlhagen began working to build a shelter specifically for male victims of the sex trade. Her goal is to establish a place where young men can be safe, receive help and learn to live successfully on their own.
“I want to create a dialogue about these children that is very different… one that is free from judgement and feels safe for them to come forth and get the help that they need and deserve,” she said.
Humanitarian Social Innovations is pleased to sponsor and serve The Lighthouse Operation in order to maximize its efforts in aiding male victims of sex trafficking. You can support their work below.