New app helps human trafficking, domestic violence victims

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A group of Arizona women have created a new app to help human trafficking or domestic violence victims become survivors. The app is called STEP: Survivors Together Elevating People.

“I always say you don’t have to put chains on someone, if the chains are in their mind. That is what a lot of it is about, is just getting someone to where they don’t they don’t think they have any options,” said Samantha.

Samantha is a human trafficking survivor who asked us to keep her legal name private. She explained she understands what it’s like to feel helpless. She was trafficked for nearly a decade in Arizona and said trying to find a safe place to go for help isn’t easy.

“When you only have moments, you know, minutes at the most, you don’t have time to sit there and search through this,” said Samantha.

Gina Jernukian, a permanent makeup artist in Phoenix who also removes brand tattoos on human trafficking survivors for free, said she learned victims trying to get help didn’t have a way to easily and safely access resources.

“This happened so many times. It was like, something needs to be done,” said Jernukian.

About three years ago, Jernukian started working on the app with the help of Samantha and two other human trafficking survivors.

“It was inspired by human trafficking, but it’s for anyone that has a need for a resource but can’t find one,” said Jernukian.

The app went live online two weeks ago and is currently in phase 1, which means they’re inviting organizations to STEP. These organizations offer services such as shelter, rehab, attorneys, food, etc. Jernukian said all organizations are vetted before being activated on the website.

Jernukian said thousands of organizations are on-boarding already nationwide, with 50,000 just in Arizona.

A user can enter their location or zip code and instantly receive a list of all the organizations within a 100-mile radius.

It’s also a web-based app only. It cannot be downloaded. Jernukian explained phone apps cannot be erased quickly and that could be a risk for a victim.

It’s a tool Samantha said would have helped her escape sooner.

“The length of time, I believe would’ve been shorter, if I would’ve had more resources and more options,” said Samantha.

Jernukian said in three to four months, they will start a campaign to spread the word about the app by passing out cards with a QR code for the website and posting the QR code in public places like airports. She said organizations will also do their own outreach.

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