[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2323-E2324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING A TRUE SURVIVOR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2008

  Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, many people, trapped in a cycle of 
despair, feel that there is no way out of homelessness, addiction, or 
prostitution. Exploitative pimps, callously indifferent law 
enforcement, and a lack of social services combine to make it almost 
impossible for some to escape the streets. Norma Hotaling not only 
successfully left that life, but has devoted herself to leading the 
fight to help those who remain behind.

[[Page E2324]]

  Ms. Hotaling founded the organization Stand Against Global 
Exploitation (SAGE). SAGE is devoted to helping women and men who have 
suffered rape, sexual assault, molestation or violence in the difficult 
transition from victim to survivor. As her organization has said, 
``Norma [is] determined to make it easier for other women, men and 
youth who wanted to leave the sex trade and addiction behind, and find 
their way from the harsh effects of sexual exploitation to restored 
wellness, confidence, vocation, and overall wholeness.''
  Through peer counselling--often by survivors--SAGE not only provides 
psychological and social services to prostitutes and those exiting 
prostitution, but also empowers the women once they have left the 
streets. Ms. Hotaling's efforts show that therapy should not be thought 
of as a luxury for the wealthy: everyone should be able to get 
psychological services.
  Norma Hotaling is a trailblazer. She encourages psychologists around 
the countries to work with their local law enforcement offices to help 
women and children exploited by prostitution. She founded San 
Francisco's internationally recognized ``john school'' in which 
arrested clients confront the reality of prostitution. Her outreach 
programs in jails and on the street raise awareness among at-risk 
populations about how commercial sexual exploitation can lead to 
addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder.
  Sadly, Ms. Hotaling is now in an even graver fight--the fight against 
cancer. We wish her comfort, and all the best. She is supported in her 
fight by thousands of people whose lives she has touched. Norma 
Hotaling's life is an inspiration, and her example will continue to 
inform our own fight against modern slavery and exploitation.

                          ____________________