Meet Laura Domingue of Trafficking Hope

Posted on by Vaseline

When Laura Domingue first encountered the reality of human trafficking in Europe, something stirred in her soul. She and her husband financially supported efforts to address the problem there, but human trafficking still felt like a distant problem.

But after learning the shocking reality of its prevalence in the U.S., she decided to be part of the solution, starting in her own community. The Domingues founded Trafficking Hope in 2007 to raise awareness about sexual exploitation and offer hope to survivors. Their reach now extends to 22 states. Get to know this inspiring FACE of Birmingham!

Laura Domingue smiles while wearing a black T-shirt with the word "heap." standing against a plain white backgroundLaura Domingue smiles while wearing a black T-shirt with the word "heap." standing against a plain white backgroundPin
Laura Domingue is the co-founder of Trafficking Hope and this month’s FACE of Birmingham! Image: Trafficking Hope

Tell us something about yourself!

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I met my husband, Lee, there and got married in 1989. We have five wonderful children—four boys and the youngest a girl. We moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana (my husband’s home state) in 1997.

How did Trafficking Hope come about?

Trafficking Hope started after some friends told us about human trafficking in Europe. We were so shocked and upset that we traveled with them to see it for ourselves. We ended up helping them start their work there. Honestly, I went home and thought, “Oh my gosh, I can’t imagine that happening in the US.”

We started doing some research and found out that it was happening right here in our home. It was heartbreaking for me. As a mother, I just couldn’t imagine this happening to my daughter or my sons. We started very grassroots — just telling our friends and going to churches, schools, businesses, clubs, health care providers to spread awareness wherever we could. We started Trafficking Hope in 2007.

A group of people in Birmingham stand outside holding black and white signs with anti-human trafficking messages. The signs read: "#itisnotokay," "#stopbuyingpeople," And "#voteforthevoiceless." Their collective stand is aimed at raising awareness and ending human trafficking in their community.A group of people in Birmingham stand outside holding black and white signs with anti-human trafficking messages. The signs read: "#itisnotokay," "#stopbuyingpeople," And "#voteforthevoiceless." Their collective stand is aimed at raising awareness and ending human trafficking in their community.Pin
Trafficking Hope raises awareness of human trafficking in local communities and provides empowerment services to help survivors heal. Image: Trafficking Hope
A woman stands in a pink box that resembles a toy packaging with "FOR SALE," A "$110 MILLION" statistic and a warning, part of a human trafficking awareness campaign by traffickinghope.org on the Birmingham lawn to end human trafficking.A woman stands in a pink box that resembles a toy packaging with "FOR SALE," A "$110 MILLION" statistic and a warning, part of a human trafficking awareness campaign by traffickinghope.org on the Birmingham lawn to end human trafficking.Pin
Their “Barbie Box” campaign provided a powerful visual of the exploitative nature of human trafficking in Birmingham. Image: Instagram

What brought you and Lee to Birmingham?

My husband spoke at a business leaders meeting at the Church of the Highlands and we fell in love with the church and the city. We knew this was where we were meant to be. Four months later we moved into what we call “BirmingHOME.” It’s such a joy to be here for almost ten years now!

What should our local readers know about human trafficking in Birmingham?

The most important thing to know is that human trafficking can happen ANYWHERE. It is not based on economic status or big cities. It can happen anywhere. It is simply an exploitation of vulnerability.

A group of volunteers in red shirts assemble care packages on a long table filled with various supplies, such as wipes, toiletries, and other self-care items. These volunteers are working to end human trafficking in Birmingham through their dedicated efforts.A group of volunteers in red shirts assemble care packages on a long table filled with various supplies, such as wipes, toiletries, and other self-care items. These volunteers are working to end human trafficking in Birmingham through their dedicated efforts.Pin
Local church groups volunteer with Trafficking Hope to assemble hygiene kits for victims and survivors of human trafficking. Image: Instagram

Tell us about your CARES model and how it helps communities empower victims.

We believe that to combat 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 freely available to any church or Christian faith organization that wants to combat human trafficking in their city.

We also have a free small group training program available for both women and men. We believe that churches (like our own Church of the Highlands) and long-term service providers (like our partners at The WellHouse) are critical in this fight. It takes everyone — from legislators and first responders to families, businesses and teachers — to get involved. None of us are as good as all of us.

Laura Domingue stands at the front of a modern, windowless classroom in Birmingham, addressing several students. Desks, a whiteboard and a large screen fill the room as they discuss initiatives to end human trafficking.Laura Domingue stands at the front of a modern, windowless classroom in Birmingham, addressing several students. Desks, a whiteboard and a large screen fill the room as they discuss initiatives to end human trafficking.Pin
Laura gives talks and talks to organizations, business leaders and students about the realities of human trafficking and how they can be part of the solution. Image: Instagram

Do you have a special victory or meaningful story you would like to share about the work of Trafficking Hope?

One of my favorite stories is of a girl we rescued from human trafficking. The first three times I saw her, she couldn’t look at me or make eye contact. I asked her 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 was smiling. He said, “You don’t smile unless I tell you to smile,” and he ripped a towel bar off the bathroom wall and knocked out all of her front teeth.

The third time I saw her, she had a completely different face. She ran up to me, hugged me, and said, “Mrs. Laura! Mrs. Laura! I have my smile back! Thank you!” We were able to have her teeth completely repaired 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?

Visit traffickinghope.org to learn more about our CARES initiative and check out all the free resources you need to get your local church involved.

A sign on an easel with the title "Human Trafficking Hope" lists locations in Birmingham, Alabama, Virginia, and Texas where WellHouse's The Next Steps to Independence program is working to end human trafficking and support victims of human trafficking.A sign on an easel with the title "Human Trafficking Hope" lists locations in Birmingham, Alabama, Virginia, and Texas where WellHouse's The Next Steps to Independence program is working to end human trafficking and support victims of human trafficking.Pin
In 2020, Trafficking Hope played a key role in the opening of the Next Steps to Independence transitional housing facility at The WellHouse in St. Clair County, Alabama. Image: Instagram
A group of people stand outside a white apartment building in Birmingham, some holding plaques. They are all smiling and dressed casually, suggesting they are celebrating an achievement or event.A group of people stand outside a white apartment building in Birmingham, some holding plaques. They are all smiling and dressed casually, suggesting they are celebrating an achievement or event.Pin
The Next Steps to Independence facility provides an apartment community for graduates of the WellHouse program to reside in as they continue their recovery and healing. Image: Instagram

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I love being with my family! All four of my boys are married, so I have four beautiful daughters-in-law and eight grandchildren — nineteen in all! It’s chaos, but it’s also the most fun. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Who or what inspires you at the moment?

I am in a new season of being an empty nester. It is a learning curve for me. I have had kids at home full time for 33 years! I am learning a new rhythm and having more time with my husband which is so incredible and joyful.

What is your best advice?

One of my best pieces of advice is, “If you’re a parent, love the season you’re in with your children.” I feel like we’re always wishing for the next season. For example, (saying), “I can’t wait until they can walk,” or “I can’t wait until they’re all in school,” or “I can’t wait until they can drive.” Be fully present and engaged in the season you’re in. I’ve seen so much fruit of this in my own family.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Three things you can’t live without: Coffee, enjoying beautiful sunsets (and taking thousands of pictures while my family laughs at me) and mascara.

What is your favorite holiday destination? Beaver Creek, Colorado

What is your favorite gift? Candles

What’s your favorite TV series that you’ve watched lately? The Chosen One

Book(s) on your bedside table? Jesus, the Leader of the High Road by John C. Maxwell and Chris Hodges

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Birmingham women are doing inspiring work. Meet more in our FACES archives!

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