When Laura Domingue was first introduced to the realities of human trafficking in Europe, something stirred in her soul. She and her husband financially supported efforts to address the issue there, but trafficking still felt like a far-away problem.
But after learning the staggering reality of its prevalence throughout the U.S., she decided to become part of the solution, starting in her own community. The Domingues founded Trafficking Hope in 2007 to raise public awareness around sexual exploitation and bring hope to survivors. Their reach now extends to 22 states. Get to know this inspiring FACE of Birmingham!
Tell us a little about you!
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I met my husband, Lee, there and got married in 1989. We have five amazing children — four boys and the last a girl. We moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana (My husband’s home state) in 1997.
How did Trafficking Hope begin?
Trafficking Hope started after some friends told us about human trafficking in Europe. We were so shocked and disturbed by this that we traveled with them to witness it firsthand. We ended up helping them start their work there. Honestly, I went home and thought, “Goodness, I can’t imagine that happening in the U.S.”
We started doing some research and found it was happening here at home. It was heartbreaking for me. As a mom, I just couldn’t imagine this happening to my daughter or sons. We started very grassroots — just telling our friends and going to churches, schools, businesses, clubs, and healthcare providers to spread awareness everywhere we could. We started Trafficking Hope in 2007.
What brought you and Lee to Birmingham?
My husband was speaking at a business leaders’ event at the Church of the Highlands, and we fell in love with the church and the city. We knew we were supposed to be here. Four months later, we moved to what we call “BirmingHOME.” It has been such a joy to be here for almost ten years now!
What should our local readers know about trafficking in Birmingham?
The main thing to know is that human trafficking can happen ANYWHERE. It’s not based on economic status or large cities. It can happen anywhere. It is simply an exploitation of vulnerability.
Tell us about your CARES model and how it equips communities to empower victims.
We believe in order to fight human trafficking, you have to do it holistically in your own city. That’s why we started the CARES Initiative, which stands for Coalition, Awareness, Rescue, Education, and Services. We make our CARES Initiative resources available at no charge to any church or Christian faith-based organization that wants to start fighting human trafficking in their city.
We also have a free small-group training curriculum available for both women and men. We think churches (like our own Church of the Highlands) and long-term service providers (like our partners at The WellHouse) are critically important in this fight. It really takes everyone — from lawmakers and first responders to families, businesses, and teachers — to get involved. None of us are as good as all of us.
Do you have a special victory or meaningful story to share from Trafficking Hope’s work?
One of my favorite stories is of a girl who we rescued from human trafficking. The first three times I saw her, she couldn’t look at me or make eye contact. I asked what her story was. The counselor said that when she was being trafficked, her trafficker saw her looking in the mirror one day, and she smiled. He said, “You don’t smile unless I tell you to smile,” and he ripped a towel rod off the bathroom wall and knocked out all of her front teeth.
The third time I saw her, she had a completely different countenance. She ran up to me and hugged me and said, “Mrs. Laura! Mrs. Laura! I got my smile back! Thank you!” We were able to get her teeth completely fixed by an incredibly generous dentist. It was such a reminder of God’s faithfulness to me.
How can readers get involved in Trafficking Hope’s mission?
You can go to traffickinghope.org to learn more about our CARES Initiative and check out all the free resources you need to get your area church involved.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love to be with my family! All four of my boys are married, so I have four beautiful daughters-in-love and eight grandchildren — nineteen total! It’s chaos but the most fun. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Who or what is inspiring you right now?
I’m in a new season of being an empty nester. It’s a learning process for me. I’ve had 33 years of kids at home full-time! I’m learning a new rhythm and having more time with my husband, which has been so incredible and joyful.
What is your best piece of advice?
One of my best pieces of advice is, “If you are a parent, love the season you’re in with your children.” I feel like we’re always wishing away to the next season. For example, [saying], “I can’t wait until they walk,” or “I can’t wait until they all get in school,” or “I can’t wait until they can drive.” Be fully present and engaged in the season you’re in. I have seen such fruit from this in my own family.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Three things you can’t live without: Coffee, taking in beautiful sunsets (and taking a thousand pictures as my family laughs at me), and mascara.
Favorite place to vacation? Beaver Creek, Colorado
Your go-to gift to give? Candles
Favorite recent TV show binge? The Chosen
Book(s) on your bedside table? Jesus the High Road Leader by John C. Maxwell and Chris Hodges
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Birmingham women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
