PSWMA SAN DIEGO : Protecting Our Children from Human Traffickers
Written by : Jasmine Santoro
In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, San Diego Family Church and Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) hosted their first Peace Starts With Me Alliance program focused on the critical issue of human trafficking. Given WFWP’s ongoing collaboration with Mrs. Rohida Khan, a Victim Assistance Specialist with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, this topic presented a meaningful opportunity for partnership and education.
The program was emceed by Mrs. Caroline Betancourt, WFWP San Diego Chairwoman. Mrs. Khan opened the event with an informative and eye-opening presentation on the current realities of human trafficking, with particular emphasis on cybersecurity, children’s use of the internet, and the ways traffickers exploit online platforms to target victims.
The second speaker, Mr. Patrick Erlandson, founder of FatherCon, addressed the vital role of families—especially fathers—in prevention efforts. He explained how traffickers often prey on individuals they perceive as lonely, isolated, or lacking strong parental support, underscoring the importance of family presence, guidance, and connection in protecting children.
Ms. Jessika Malone followed with a deeply moving and courageous testimony, sharing her personal experience as a survivor of human trafficking. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced in seeking help and how support often failed to come from strangers until the very end. Ms. Malone now leads the nonprofit Fe y Esperanza, which provides resources and support to victims of human trafficking, transforming her pain into purpose.
The program concluded with remarks from Pastor Walter Frank of Family Church of San Diego, who spoke about the power of strong families and the vision of Rev. and Dr. Moon and the Family Federation in creating a culture of prevention and care.
Following the program, participants gathered for a shared lunch, with a special tea hosted for the women in attendance as part of WFWP’s fellowship. The atmosphere fostered open dialogue, reflection, and deeper discussion inspired by the presentations.
During the event, Mrs. Rohida Khan was also honored with an Ambassador for Peace Award in recognition of her dedicated work with victims of human trafficking and her personal commitment to volunteer initiatives.
The program provided critical education on the present-day dangers of human trafficking while connecting prevention efforts to the foundational role of the family. Many attendees were deeply moved by Ms. Malone’s testimony, which served as a powerful reminder not to judge and to recognize that anyone can be a victim. The content opened the door for meaningful conversations that continued throughout the luncheon.
Overall, the event created a warm and supportive environment for community members, guests, and organizational members alike to learn, connect, and reflect together. San Diego Family Church and WFWP expressed deep gratitude for the collaboration with Mrs. Rohida Khan and for the opportunity to build a lasting relationship with Ms. Jessika Malone and her family.
