by 

Adam Aasen

(Editor’s Note: Adam  Aasen has been my podcasting partner in our movies podcast series, but he also is a small business owner and city-councilman-elect in Carmel.  One of his charitable causes is Restored Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to helping victims of human trafficking.  Adam wrote this piece, published by my news-gathering partner, The Hamilton County Reporter)

Jeffrey Epstein, the billionaire who was accused of abusing and trafficking young women and girls for decades, died on Aug. 10. And his death doesn’t really close the book on his story.

Not only do investigators want to find out more about what happened, but the healing process is not over for the victims in this case. These victims of human trafficking will not get to see Epstein face his accusers in a court of law. And often the road for restoration is a long one for such victims.

Young boys and girls who are victims of human trafficking often deal with the psychological scars for years.

According to the May-June 2019 issue of the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, new research details the process that human traffickers use to force a psychological bond on their child victims.

This study looked at victims from 1990 to 2017 and found that victims of human trafficking will see disruptions in their social and emotional development. Some conditions that are often seen include depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-destructive behavior, chronic stress and more. These victims have a hard time maintaining relationships, obtaining an education or keeping employment.

In the state of Indiana – including Hamilton County – young people have become victims of human trafficking. Since 2007, there have been over 1,700 calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline regarding Indiana victims.

One local organization is helping these become whole again after surviving their abusers.

Restored, Inc. is a nonprofit that serves victims of sex trafficking in Indiana through active recovery, compassionate relief and the hope of restoration. Some of their programs include trauma counseling, emergency housing referrals, legal services, food/clothing and medical help.

I’ve personally visited Restored’s office in Indianapolis and they do great work.

For the second year in a row, I’ve decided to host a fundraiser for Restored Inc. at Donatello’s Italian Restaurant in Carmel.

The event will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Guests will sample seven different wines while enjoying assorted heavy appetizers. There will also be a silent auction where guests can bid on items to raise funds for Restored, Inc.

Cost is $55 per person, not including tax/tip. All tickets include a donation made to Restored, Inc.

Reservations can be made in person, over the phone at (317) 564-4790 or online at restoreddonatellos.eventbrite.com.