More than empathy for local non-profit

At first, the shoes pose unassuming questions. Whose are they? Which brand? What size?

Yet as you walk around the display, a nauseating feeling starts to sink in your gut.

Who did this to her? How old was she? Can we make it go away?

The items of contemplation are two pink rubber sandals, the bottoms a little worn, the buckles sagging a bit, and made for what looks like a young girl, maybe 5 or 6 years old.

And they were taken from a victim of child sex-trafficking.

The display, set up by Boulder non-profit iEmpathize, reveals information about the $32 billion sex-trafficking industry, which currently employs 2 children every minute.

And the shoes are only the beginning.

Visit its Web site (iEmpathize.org) and you’ll receive a barrage of photos and accompanying information.

“Children as young as 6 years old were victimized on this bed,” one caption reads. The “bed” consists of 30 wooden slats cornered between two pale concrete walls.

Another photo depicts plastic chips with numbers. Prostitutes must wear them so that brothel managers can make arrangements for “clients.”

It’s tempting to click away from the painful images, but iEmpathize executive administrator Christy Pennick insists.

“We endeavor to bring the reality of these issues and the true stories of vulnerable and victimized children to the mainstream public,” Pennick says.

The organization aims to increase public awareness of child sex-trafficking in Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Through its efforts Pennick and founder Brad Riley hope to free and protect the victims of the industry. However, Pennick cites the unwillingness of many to listen, simply because of the nature of their opponent.

“The major obstacle that we face is the depth and the heaviness of the issue that is in front of us—child-sex trafficking. Many people do not want to talk about or even listen to information because it's such a dark issue. We are working on creative ways that we can communicate so that it's not as overwhelming for people who are hearing about it for the first time” she says.

Brad Riley created iEmpathize after a startling trip to Cambodia in 2006. During the visit he was solicited for sexual favors by a young boy. By 2008 he had launched the first iEmpathize visit to Asia. But physically shutting down brothels isn’t the only agenda item.

As stated on their Web site, some local efforts also include monthly justice forums, campus visits across the nation, vigils, and the mentioned art exhibit. Even so, the task at hand is great.

Google “sex-trafficking” and you get hits from all over the world: Cambodia, the United States, Costa Rica, and more. The results are so numerous it suggests you narrow your search.

Tackling the world’s second-most profitable crime can be overwhelming. Yet iEmpathize courageously steps up.

“Those that have not yet been rescued or received restoration are in great need for our help,” Pennick states. “There are not many options for those that are victimized unless people like you and I come to their rescue.”

iEmpathize has taken the first step, but the rest is up to you.

For more information, visit www.iEmpathize .org