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1. What is human trafficking?

 There are two types of human trafficking recognized by law: sex trafficking and labor trafficking. 

2. What is sex trafficking? 

Sex trafficking is when someone profits from or advances the prostitution of another by certain methods.

3. What are these methods?

 The use of force, making threats, withholding the victim's identification documents, making someone pay off a debt by engaging in prostitution, providing the victim with drugs or using trickery to get the victim into, or hold the victim, in prostitution. 

4. This sounds like pimping, what is the difference?

In reality, there is little difference. In most cases of promoting prostitution, the pimp uses one or more of these methods.

5. Where are victims of sex trafficking usually found?

 Sex trafficking victims are usually performing prostitution in locations that try to appear legitimate. Often times, locations are marketed as "massage parlors," "health spas," "acupressure centers" or similar names. Brothels, escort services and strip clubs also are often destinations of sex trafficking victims. 

6. What is the most common recruitment method?

Traffickers most often promise their victims exciting jobs, but promises of marriages and educational opportunities are also common.  In some countries, young women do not have the opportunities they wish for at home and hope to achieve their goals abroad.  When they are approached by someone promising good opportunities many young women think their dreams are coming true and agree with a trafficker.  In other cases, traffickers are known to forcibly abduct their victims.  

7. Why don’t victims of trafficking try to escape? 

Traffickers use many kinds of tricks to discourage their victims from escaping.  One common ploy is to confiscate the victim’s passport once she is in the destination country, while telling her that if she escapes, the police will imprison her for being an illegal immigrant.  Another trick, known as “debt bondage”, is to have the victim sign a contract that says she will pay the trafficker for transportation services, making her believe she must pay the debt even if she is forced to work in deplorable conditions.  Some victims are locked up and not allowed to leave the premises where they are being exploited.  Many are beaten, raped, and tortured by their traffickers so that they will be too afraid to try to escape.  A trafficker may also threaten to harm the victim’s family if she does not agree to his demands.

1. What is the Battle for Freedom hair show?

It's a competitive hair show that local salons in the downriver area participate in. Each salon battles it out for best hair and best performance.  Each year there is a new theme for the salons to base their show around. This is a charity gala. The theme for 2024 is COLORS. 

2. How money money raised from the Battle for Freedom event?

In 2022 we raised over $20,000. 

3. Where does the money go? 

All of the money raised is given to local grassroot charities where they use it for local victims and surviors to help them get on their feet. 

4. Is human trafficking a problem in the suburbs of Detroit? 

Yes! Detroit is one of the highest rank cities in the nation. As we're so close to international borders, railways, waterways and we host many international conferences. 

5. How much is a ticket to the gala? 

$40 for general admission and $50 VIP. 

Every ticket comes with food and a seat to view the hair show. There is opportunity at the gala to make extra donations, participate in 50/50 drawings and raffles. 

6. How long is the gala? 

In 2022 there were 12 salons and guest speakers who were previous vitcims of human trafficking. The event went from 6:00PM - 10:00PM. It could be shorter or longer depending on the number of salons who participate. 

7. Can I donate money, without going to the gala? 

Crystal and The Mane Salon are accepting donations through their business Venmo and at the salon. Sponorships are also welcomed by small businesses to help raise money on their behalf for the gala. 

8. How many years has this gala been going on? 

Since 2012, we're going on the 11th year! 

9. How can you help? 

Spread the word!  The Mane Salon is actively looking for ways to help victims and provide relief in anyway possible. The more people are aware of this massive issue in downriver, the more resources and money we can provide to the right organizations and charities. 

Be a sponsor for our salon at the Battle for Freedom event. 

Donate any dollar amount via our business Venmo or at our local salon.