Press Releases

November 8, 2010 – Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) and Todd Akin (MO-02) today issued the following statement in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Bombay Teen Challenge (BTC), a human rights organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating vulnerable children in danger of being abused, exploited, or enslaved in sex trafficking; abandoned, orphaned, or HIV-positive children; and women trapped in prostitution or addicted to drugs and alcohol. The Congressmen were joined by Reps. Joe Pitts (PA-16), Chris Smith (NJ-04), and Frank Wolf (VA-10) in sending the attached letter congratulating BTC on its 20 years of invaluable service.

 

"After visiting Bombay Teen Challenge myself and witnessing their amazing program firsthand, I have been deeply touched to meet several of the innumerable precious souls whose lives have been transformed and made whole again by the work of this remarkable organization." Franks stated. "K.K. Devaraj's commitment to rescue, love, and rehabilitate those whom the world might otherwise ignore or forget has made an eternal difference in the lives of countless children who were given healing and a deep, unwavering hope that was previously absent in their lives. Bombay Teen Challenge should serve as an inspiration to all of us and a model to those who might doubt how great a difference a single life can make, when it is lived in service to others."

 

Akin stated, “Bombay Teen Challenge is one of the most outstanding ministries that has ever come to our attention. They are people who have by their good work shown tremendous love and concern. They have shown tremendous courage in defending the rights of children and women to be free from those who would exploit them. Bombay Teen Challenge is a very bright spot in this region of India and deserves the full support of the true friends of freedom.”

 

Estimates place the number of children in India who suffer from commercial sexual abuse between 300,000 and 500,000. Approximately 20,000, or 20%, of women in prostitution in Mumbai are under the age of 18. The Centre for Development and Population Activities (CEDPA) states that approximately 200 girls and women in India enter prostitution every day, with about 80% doing so against their will, and with girls between the ages of 10-12 receiving the highest price. In Mumbai, India, it is estimated that 90% of the 100,000 women in prostitution are indentured slaves. At the current rate of growth, it is estimated that one out of every five Indian girls will be a victim of sexual slavery by the year 2025.

 

Bombay Teen Challenge (BTC) was established in 1990 in Mumbai, (Bombay) India by K.K. Devaraj to reach the poorest of the poor who roamed the streets of Bombay. It has evolved into an organization that rescues sex slaves in the brothels of Mumbai, caring for the victims and their children, and provides a safe house for the children of sex slaves, juveniles roaming the streets, addicts and runaways.  The BTC is furthermore committed to holistically meeting the needs of victims by satisfying their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs: the organization establishes  medical clinics within the red light district, distributes food to the hungry on the streets of Mumbai, and provides day schools to the street children and homes outside of Mumbai for the men, women, and children who are rescued.