Signs of HOPE Receives $50,000 Donation and Public Awareness Campaign from Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix to help Combat Human Trafficking and Sexual Assault in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 12, 2024) – Signs of HOPE (Healing, Options, Prevention and Education), a nonprofit dedicated to offering hope, help and healing to those affected by sexual violence and exploitation, is pleased to announce a $50,000 donation from Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. The funds will be used to support the organization’s crisis and long-term case management services for victims and survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking.

According to Kim Small, CEO of Signs of HOPE, in addition to the financial support, Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix organizers will display (click here for pdf) Signs of HOPE’s sexual assault 24/7 hotline, 702-366-1640, and RISE human trafficking 24/7 hotline, 702-936-4004, at locations throughout the race circuit.

In 2023, Signs of HOPE and its Resources and Integration for Survivor Empowerment or RISE human trafficking program were selected by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Southern Nevada Human Trafficking Task Force as the lead human trafficking non-governmental organization (NGO) for several large-scale events in Southern Nevada.

As the lead human trafficking NGO, Signs of HOPE:

Provides a first-responder 24/7 hotline for use by law enforcement and other designated agencies
Provides on-scene crisis response
Coordinates, trains and educates appropriate event staff and volunteers on human trafficking policies and procedures
Serves as the main point of contact for all resources, support, services and referrals
Provides a year-round 24/7 human trafficking hotline for anyone who needs assistance or has questions

In addition, RISE trained advocates embed with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers to facilitate the fastest response possible.

“We are very appreciative and grateful to Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix for its generous support of Signs of HOPE and the services we offer to survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking,” said Small. “While sexual violence and human trafficking are everyday issues in our community, we also want to remain vigilant when we have high-profile, destination-wide events . This donation will go a long way in helping to provide the necessary resources to meet the demand for services. On behalf of our staff, volunteers and clients – thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

In 2023 Signs of HOPE:

Encountered more than 1,200 human trafficking victims in the field
Served more than 580 human trafficking survivors, including 107 juveniles
Staffed over 4,000 hotline calls
Provided more than 3,600 counseling sessions for sexual violence and exploitation survivors and their families

“We appreciate the critical work Signs of HOPE does in our community, ensuring victims of sexual assault and human trafficking have an avenue to seek out and secure necessary and compassionate help and resources,” said Lori Nelson-Kraft, senior vice president of corporate affairs, Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

About Signs of HOPE

Signs of HOPE – Healing, Options, Prevention and Education – is a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering hope, help and healing to those affected by sexual violence and exploitation. The organization was founded in 1974 by Florence McClure and Sandra Petta as the Community Action Against Rape (CAAR) and operated as The Rape Crisis Center from 2004-2021. Today, Signs of HOPE operates two 24/7 crisis hotlines and provides hospital response for sexual assault victims. In addition, the organization provides counseling, advocacy and support to help victims throughout the healing process, for as long as it takes. Through its Resources and Integration for Survivor Empowerment or RISE program, the organization provides crisis response and long-term case management services to victims of all forms of human trafficking. Signs of HOPE is committed to raising awareness of sexual assault and exploitation by engaging in prevention efforts, educational programs and community outreach, particularly to youth. The Signs of HOPE 24/7 sexual assault hotline number is 702-366-1640. The RISE human trafficking 24/7 hotline is 702-936-4004. For more information, visit sohlv.org.