Utah, like every state in the union, is often defined by its stereotypes. Outside onlookers tend to regard Utah as a land of perpetual virtue, dominated by families, religion and conservative values. When most people think of crime in the United States, rarely does their mind conjure up images of the Beehive State. This is precisely why many people might be surprised to learn that Utah ranks in the top 10 nationwide when it comes to human trafficking.

In light of this information, people might also be surprised to learn that Utah has no long-term resources or residential programs available specifically for human trafficking and sexual exploitation survivors. Yet, the need for such services is dire and undeniable.

Enter Aspen Magdalene House, a nonprofit, grassroots organization that is finally on the precipice of opening its doors after five years of hard work and development. Aspen House will be the first of its kind in Utah, operating as a sanctuary for women who are 18 years and older and are ready to leave behind “the life.”

On their website, Aspen House states that their mission is to “provide a home-like residence offering a safe and nurturing environment to empower women on a path to self-sufficiency.” 

Establishing and maintaining privacy is of the utmost importance for survivors, so while the actual address of Aspen House cannot be disclosed, the residential home, which will treat up to 12 women at a time, is located in the Millcreek area. Despite the strict adherence to anonymity, on Oct. 27, members of the press were invited to join board members, government representatives and trafficking survivors at an exclusive open house event.

 While the Aspen House team is still sourcing the necessary funds needed to purchase the home, in the interim, it remains under contract. Terry Palmer, who is cochair of the board for Aspen House, is optimistic that they will finally close on the property in early 2024. At that point, Aspen House will be able to fully implement their mission, purpose and programming, which they have been meticulously developing over the past five years.

Aspen House has crafted their treatment guidelines based on the “Thistle Farms Model” which originated in Nashville, Tennessee at the Thistle Farms Residential Program. Since its inception, the Thistle Farms Model has been implemented throughout a network of 58 affiliated homes nationwide. As of fall 2023, an additional 35 homes are currently engaged in planning or startup phases, as they work toward joining the aforementioned network. 

The Thistle Farms Model boasts an impressive 75% success rate, with an overall goal of helping women who have been exploited and/or trafficked achieve a series of goals including processing trauma, establishing financial independence, cultivating sisterhood, returning to school, maintaining sobriety, and ultimately, reclaiming their lives. 

“This has been something that has been needed for a long time,” Palmer said. “There’s actually nothing like it in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, actually in Utah. So, this is a long-term house, a home, for women who have been exploited, who have been out on the streets, to come and live and get the treatment that they need for the trauma that they’ve been through.”

Beyond their residential housing aspirations, Aspen House as an organization has made massive efforts to shed light on a subject that is chronically underdiscussed. While it is often difficult to have open and honest conversations about subjects that are considered taboo like human trafficking and sexual exploitation, it is imperative that the community continue to do so. 

Human trafficking is a global epidemic, that effects men, women, adults, children and everyone in between. Despite often being relegated to the shadows, statistics help illustrate the prominence of human trafficking both domestically and abroad. According to figures provided by Aspen House, the human trafficking industry is worth $150 billion worldwide. The International Labour Organization estimates there are 40.3 million victims globally. What’s even worse, is that these figures are likely significantly lower than the true numbers. 

Due to a multitude of reasons, crimes of a sexual nature are notoriously underreported, meaning that the data received is not even close to being comprehensive. In fact, law enforcement has further reinforced the data gap by stating these figures represent “just the tip of the iceberg.”

 Speaking of law enforcement, Palmer candidly stressed the importance of Aspen House’s need to partner with Salt Lake’s local businesses and government agencies in an effort to help survivors successfully transition from “the life” to mainstream society.

“I really can’t emphasize enough how much law enforcement can help especially if they are trained,” Palmer said.

Partnering with law enforcement and maintaining an ongoing dialogue remains a crucial component in the fight against human trafficking. Unfortunately, many women who are victims often find themselves at the mercy of the legal system because, even if they’ve been forced, coerced, or threatened into servitude, they are still technically engaging in criminal activity. 

As people have learned from years of recidivism data, incarceration rarely helps to rehabilitate victims, moreover, in some cases it can actually push women further into the hands of their abusers. This is precisely why organizations like Aspen House are so crucial for the community, as they offer a safe, effective and non-judgmental space for survivors to connect, heal and grow.

“Many of these women, in an effort to escape found themselves going to homeless shelters,” said Pamela Atkinson, a longtime community advocate and vice chair of the Aspen House board. Atkinson further explained that these women were often subjected to bullying and forced to hear an array of pejoratives. “They were technically rescued but not suitably placed,” Atkinson said. 

Aspen House has officially entered the last leg of a highly stressful, but extremely rewarding journey. Nevertheless, the organization still needs assistance in meeting their funding goals, which is why they are turning to the community for help.

 To donate time and/or money, learn more about the Aspen Magdalene House, or simply educate yourself on human trafficking in Utah and abroad, visit Aspen House’s website: www.aspenhouseslc.org. 

“We are going to be able to love and accept these women, and it will go a long way,” Atkinson said. “Utah women who have been trafficked need solutions that surround them with love and offer an opportunity to heal.” λ