The nation’s first safe house dedicated exclusively to male survivors of human trafficking is officially open.
Bob’s House of Hope celebrated the grand opening of its Justin facility Wednesday, marking the launch of a first-of-its-kind refuge for boys and young men who have survived sex trafficking and exploitation.
Community leaders, supporters and advocates gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which also highlighted the often-overlooked issue of male trafficking victims.
According to Bob’s House of Hope, boys account for nearly half of all youth who are victims of sex trafficking, yet services specifically designed to meet their needs remain limited.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and First Lady Cecilia Abbott joined other Denton County officials, like Judge Andy Eads, Congressman Brandon Gill and State Senator Tan Parker, among others, in cutting the ribbon on the new safe house in Justin.
“Texas leads America in combating human trafficking and child sex trafficking,” said Gov. Abbott. “Ranch Hands Rescue and Bob’s House of Hope provide a beacon of hope for victims in need, creating a model of care that truly can be replicated across the entire country. Together, we will remove traffickers from our streets and provide every brave young survivor the hope they need to reclaim their future.”
Gov. Abbott highlighted the importance of Texas’ role in fighting human trafficking and strengthening protection for survivors.
According to the Bob’s House of Hope website, some services offered to survivors include equine and animal assisted counseling, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, art therapy, nature therapy, faith-based counseling and more.
The facility specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, autism, self-harm, behavioral issues, relationship issues, substance abuse, post traumatic stress, eating disorders and other types of abuse.
It also provides transitional housing to teens aged 14-17 and provides temporary housing to others that have aged out of the support system.
“This type of housing can be a prevention for young men ending up victims of sex trafficking,” said Eads. “With the support of so many elected officials, law enforcement, RHR staff, volunteers and Denton County residents in attendance for the open house and ribbon cutting of the new temporary housing, we are reminded of the importance of keeping our youth safe and protected.”
Gov. Abbott believes Bob’s House of Hope fills a critical gap in the national response to commercial sexual exploitation and strengthens Texas’ efforts to protect victims and hold traffickers accountable.
“Together, we support victims and work to shield those who could possibly find themselves in harm’s way,” said Eads. “This temporary housing is a significant step in addressing the problem.”
For more information on Bob’s House of Hope, visit the organization’s website.
