One of the first questions people ask me is, “Why did you start Christy’s Cause?”
Although I was never trafficked, I was physically abused for eighteen years and sexual exploited for thirteen. I still live with the psychological effects. No one should ever have to experience what I survived. It is my mission to help put an end to child sex trafficking and exploitation through Christy’s Cause.
After numerous trips to Bangkok and Pattaya, Thailand working in the Red Light Districts, I found myself in Cambodia in the fall of 2014. While there, I heard about families so desperate they were willing to sell their children into the sex trade. I saw first-hand the effects of a community destroyed by the sex industry and I couldn’t turn my head. I had to do something. Not just about the issue abroad but back home in my own community. During that trip, Christy’s Cause was conceived and a year later, thanks to an amazing team of people and a lot of work, the dream became a reality.
Today Christy’s Cause is making a difference as freedom fighters for those who aren’t able to fight for themselves. We work to eradicate child sex trafficking and exploitation through education, awareness, restoration projects, and justice initiatives. We also believe collaboration with like-minded NGOs, agencies, and organizations allow us to work together and make even bigger strides in bettering our community and achieving the common goal of eradicating human trafficking and ending child exploitation. No one agency or organization will ever be able to tackle these horrific crimes. Collaboration helps us better understand and promote important services provided by other organizations, brings creative solutions that would have otherwise been overlooked, and strengthens our advocacy efforts.
Together we can make a difference in the lives of those who desperately need our help. We can bring freedom, restoration, and a new life to these victimized children. I know these are hard issues to face, but I can say from personal experience, we are strong enough and our children are worth the fight.
- Christy Ivie
Core values
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sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it
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liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another
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mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
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quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
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restraint coupled with strength and courage
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to expect with confidence