From Awareness to Action: Leading the Fight to Stop Human Trafficking
How to Stop Human Trafficking Through Politics
Las Vegas, NV — Stop the Traffic Foundation Event Recap
On a recent evening in Las Vegas, Stop the Traffic Foundation partnered with American Majority Nevada to host an event that went far beyond politics and training. It was a night of prayer, truth-telling, and action — a night dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable: our children.
Rebecca Wood, Executive Director of American Majority Nevada, opened the program by explaining how her own life experience and the film Sound of Freedom pushed her to ask, “What can I do?” She reminded the audience that before we can act, we must understand what is happening in our own backyard.
After an opening prayer by Pastor David El Shielders of Peace Way Christian Center, Joseph Charafi, President of Stop the Traffic Foundation, set the tone:
“Tonight isn’t about politics as usual — it’s about people, about children, about the most vulnerable among us. Children cannot afford our silence.”
Charafi then introduced his board of directors. Each member — David Gleason, Michael McDonald, Tony Benton, and Marlon A. Medina — shared why they chose to join the mission.
When it was Medina’s turn, the room shifted. Speaking not as a media professional but as someone personally affected by abuse, he told the audience:
“When we hear about these despicable things — sex trafficking, child abuse, rape — we all feel naturally a certain way, as we should. But what action does that lead to? Maybe it leads to watching Sound of Freedom. Maybe it leads to making a few donations. Maybe it leads to sharing a couple things on social media. And maybe that’s what is enough for us to feel good about ourselves. But I would say that’s not enough.
When you hear about it, that’s one thing. But until you know that it hits your household — that family members you know have been sexually abused — that’s when you really know. When it hits your soul that action needs to be taken.
I have family members that have been sexually abused by a predator that looked on the outside like a normal man. Little do you know the monster that’s hidden within.
So when I heard that Joey was spearheading this organization and he needed someone to join, I knew that this was the moment to take action, to shine light upon all the issues that are taking place. These poor children of God are being trafficked. We can’t let this happen — we absolutely cannot.
And so therefore I call upon any businesses, organizations, individuals, families — if you’re listening to this message right now, please get in touch with us. We are here to work alongside you. This is not a personal movement. This is a movement that’s bigger than any one of us. This is a movement that requires effort.
While we will do our best to get the word out here, we cannot accomplish this alone.
Let me close my remarks by quoting scripture: 'Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, you have done it unto Me'. So therefore let us help out our fellow brethren, our children that need help. In God’s name, amen.”
As Medina closed his remarks, the room was filled with applause and a chorus of “Amen,” signaling not just agreement but a collective resolve to act.
Exposing Darkness — Not Just Movie Plots
Throughout the night, Charafi and other speakers made clear that the realities they were describing are not “movie plots” or exaggerated conspiracies — they are real crimes happening every day. Charafi spoke directly about Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA):
He described organized, multi-generational abuse that uses trauma, ritual, and terror to break children — including forcing them to recite scripture while being abused, or dressing abusers as religious figures to twist faith into fear. He referenced reports of underground fighting arenas where wealthy spectators gamble on children, indentured servitude where children are told they must repay debts with their bodies, and cross-border sales where records are altered and babies disappear.
Charafi reminded the audience:
“Whether or not you believe in the devil, these abusers do. They believe he grants them power. They want secrecy so we never expose it. But once exposed, they lose power.”
He emphasized that SRA and trafficking are not only happening overseas but in American neighborhoods — and that traffickers come from every walk of life.
From Film to Movement
Attendees viewed clips from Vegas Traffic, Charafi’s award-winning feature film inspired by real trafficking cases in Las Vegas. Actor John Molinaro shared how playing a father in the film forced him to confront how predators groom children online and lure them away. “If this project can wake up one parent, protect one child, or stop one trafficker — it’s worth it,” Molinaro said.
Moving Beyond Awareness
Guest speaker Lena Walthers of Awareness is Prevention underscored how trafficking today often begins with online grooming and sextortion, targeting boys as young as nine. She urged parents to talk to their children, save evidence, and report crimes immediately.
Charafi and the board echoed the call for stronger laws, audits of Child Protective Services, transparency in adoption records, and long-term restoration for survivors — housing, jobs, food, community, and counseling — rather than one-time rescue efforts.
The Role of the Church
Charafi addressed churches directly:
“Too many churches stay silent because it’s uncomfortable. But silence is exactly what traffickers want. Churches are supposed to be the front line of protecting the vulnerable. We need pastors who will preach truth — even when it’s heavy. We need congregations willing to serve survivors, support families, and take action in their communities.”
The Foundation announced plans to work alongside faith-based organizations, churches, and community groups to host workshops across Nevada to educate locals on prevention and protection.
A Movement of Godly Action
The night ended with a call to unity and perseverance. Charafi reminded the audience:
“Evil is relentless, but so are we. And we don’t fight alone. We fight with truth. We fight with each other — not against each other — and we fight with the power of God Himself. Amen.”
The room responded with clapping and “Amens” as attendees rose to their feet.
This was not just an event. It was a declaration — that God’s children are not for sale, that darkness must be exposed, and that communities of faith will no longer look away.
Next Steps
Stop the Traffic Foundation will continue its work through upcoming events:
Awareness 2.0 – October 21st
The Care Conference – December 6th at Peace Way Christian Center
Community members are encouraged to attend, volunteer, and invite the Foundation to their churches, businesses, and organizations.
“We cannot accomplish this alone,” Medina said. “But together — through faith, courage, and action — we can stop the traffic.”
For partnerships, media inquiries, or to host a workshop:
[email protected]
www.stopthetrafficfoundation.org
