Sisterhood Spotlight

What sparked your interest in battling child exploitation and trafficking? 

It's less of an interest and more of a calling. Isaiah 6:8 says, "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am. Send me.'" This issue has touched many of the people closest to me in my life. Once you start to understand the magnitude, the depravity, and the harm, once you see the damage it's impossible to look away.

How did you get involved in the Tim Tebow Foundation and what is its mission? 

There have been moments in my life when the trajectory I was on got completely switched around. It's as if God picked me up from one place and set me down in a totally different, unexpected place. I have been at work against human trafficking and child exploitation for over 20 years and through this work I met Tim and the team. It was evident that God meant for me to do this work here, together. Our mission at TTF is to bring Faith, Hope and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. As a team, we are dedicated to helping some of the most vulnerable people all over the world. People with profound medical needs, those living with special needs, children that are orphaned or abandoned, people who are trafficked or sexually exploited – these are the ones we are called to fight for.

What are the paramount challenges to combat human trafficking and child exploitation? 

One of the biggest challenges globally is government response. A core function of government is public safety, but not very many governments fund and prioritize this issue so it can be addressed at scale. Whether due to lack of awareness, restricted resources, or just apathy, the minimal response by many nations creates an environment where criminals can thrive and spread this violence across communities in every country like a disease. Law enforcement needs to be resourced at levels that will allow them to get ahead of the problem. Citizens must be made aware of the enormity and severity of the abuse taking place in their own backyards so that they will urge their legislators into action. We are so grateful that the state of Virginia is prioritizing this issue.

What advice do you have for Women+girls (W+g) who want to stay vigilant about their safety? 

First and foremost, as a society we must put the responsibility for violence against women and children squarely on the backs of those who are committing it. The least safe place for any woman or child is in their own home, so understand what grooming and "love bombing" behaviors are, that way you can spot an abuser early. For parents, if a male is giving your child special attention or they want to be alone with your child - that's a big red flag. Also, it sounds simple, but use a buddy system and have each other’s backs, especially high school and college age women when you are out. Above all, trust your gut. If you get a bad feeling about a place or a person, leave. Don't question it or think you need to be nice and stay. Feeling momentarily awkward is worth it. Your safety comes first.

How can Virginians get involved in efforts to help those trafficked or to support law enforcement? 

The best way to help law enforcement is to make sure that you communicate with your elected officials, particularly the ones in leadership roles, that funding for anti-human trafficking and combatting child exploitation are a priority for you as a voter. You can volunteer to raise funds for trafficking shelters. You can educate your family and friends about the risk and dangers. You can also join the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Rescue Team as a Prayer Warrior, Advocate, or Defender. Let's Go!

About Camille Cooper

Camille Cooper currently serves as Vice President of Anti Human Trafficking & Child Exploitation at the Tim Tebow Foundation where she brings over 20 years of experience in federal and state legislative drafting, strategizing, and advocacy on topics related to child protection, child exploitation, and anti-child trafficking. Camille has presented to dozens of high-level officials from Africa, Jordan, South Korea, and the EMEA region for the State Department, and at conferences including APSAC, the Brighthood Conference in Sweden, Europol at the Hague and the United Nations. Cooper’s work for twenty years has focused on preventing the sexual abuse of children and combatting child exploitation crimes. As Director of Government Affairs at the National Association to Protect Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, she lead reforms that established the Department of Justice’s National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, provided over $350 million of funding for state and local internet crimes against children task forces, established the HERO Child Rescue Corps, and the Domestic Trafficking Victims Fund at the Office of Justice Programs. Cooper holds a Certificate in Strategic Leadership from the U.S. Army War College as part of the Commandant's National Security Program