A new safe haven in the Midlands for the sexually exploited

COLUMBIA, SC — Tonight, victims of sex trafficking in Columbia will have a new safe place to seek support.

According to SLED data, more than 350 sex trafficking cases were opened in South Carolina last year, involving nearly 500 potential victims, most of them minors.

Now a building hopes to change the landscape.

After ten years of serving the Midlands, Lighthouse for Life now has new premises to support men, women and children who have been victims of sex trafficking or sexually exploited. Organisers say it is the only premises of its kind in the Midlands.

“The Harbor” is dedicated to our most vulnerable – the victims of sex trafficking.

“Maybe they’re still alive and don’t know if they can get out or what resources they can use to get out. So they can come here three days a week,” said Heather Pagan, director of victim and survivor services.

It’s a place where victims can now come to have a hot meal, take a shower, or change into clean clothes. A place where they can take a moment, pause, and plan their next steps. A place Pagan didn’t have, but wants to give to others.

“I, too, am a person with lived experience, and this is a place. The same road I have walked down many, many times in this area, as someone who has been exploited and trafficked,” Pagan said.

Lisa Kejr is president of Lighthouse for Life. She says this property was donated to them two years ago.

“We found a high heel in front of one of the windows. It was a broken window. It became clear that there was a lot going on here. Drugs, sex, who knows what. There is just a need in this part of town. And where better to bring the solution than where the need is,” said Kejr.

According to SLED data, agents opened 43 sex trafficking cases in Richland County, 34 in Greenville County and 21 in Charleston County last year.

“We also want people to know that it’s not just the traffickers who are bringing their victims and their ‘product’ across state lines, but they are everywhere on this road, on St. Andrews Road or in the community behind us,” said Operations Manager Paul Cumbers.

Last year’s data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline shows that the employer or domestic partner is the most common trigger for human trafficking.

Pagan wants current victims to know that The Harbor is ready for them.

“We are here for you. We are here to help you. We want to help you find the resources you need. You are not alone. We know this is really happening here and we want to help you get to a safe place,” Pagan said.

The port is located at 1038 St. Andrews Road. It is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and accepts walk-ins.

If someone needs longer-term support, there is an application process and extended opening hours.

Lighthouse for Life says the organization is also working to open a shelter for minors later this year.