O.L.I.V.E. Charitable Organization was founded in 2015 by Lt. Dan Foss of Madera Police Department. Lt. Foss saw a gap in resources and agencies when it came to victims of human sex trafficking. In order to combat this terrible evil, he reached out to students attending Fresno State University for help. O.L.I.V.E. was born. The acronym stands for Overcoming Limitations through Intervention, Value and Empowerment. Our goal is to help these women see the value within themselves and empowering them to move forward. Through education, awareness and outreach, O.L.I.V.E. believes a difference can be made in the lives of the women who have been victimized.
National Definition of Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking occurs when an individual performs commercial sex through the use of force, fraud or coercion. Any person under the age of 18 who is involved, is considered a victim of sex trafficking regardless. Commercial sex trafficking grosses approximately $150 billion annually, second only to illegal drug sales. However, we believe in the next few years it will surpass the sales of illegal drugs. Individuals who engage in the purchasing of sex, increase the demand for trafficked victims. By not purchasing commercial sex, community members can lower the demand for commercial sex and in turn drive the industry down thus saving lives.
Traffickers are known for manipulation tactics such as, sexual exploitation, several forms of debt bondage, lies, false claims, or violence to gain control of their victims. They keep these individuals involved in the sex industry for their own financial gain.
Sexual exploitation does not know race, ethnicity, or creed. It does not acknowledge county lines or laws and it does not discriminate against age or gender. Victims are often exposed to the worse treatment any person can imagine and takes place in several venues. These venues consist of, but are not limited to, escort services, businesses, massage parlors, residential brothels, truck stops, strip clubs, hotels/motels and public city streets.
O.L.I.V.E. is committed to end this form of modern-day slavery.
Olive Charitable Organization: 559-365-6265
If you or anyone you know is involved in the sex industry or is being exploited, please call the Human Trafficking National Hotline at:
1-888-373-7888
You can also text: INFO or HELP or BEFREE to 233733