What is a Defender:
A Defender Team is a local chapter of The Innocent made up of committed advocates who take action in their own communities to protect children and support the battle against child sex crimes.
Defender Teams educate themselves on the realities of trafficking and exploitation, then actively educate others through conversation, events, and awareness efforts. They promote the mission and resources of The Innocent, mobilize local support through community-based fundraising, and direct those funds to strengthen local law enforcement and child protection efforts.
Defender Teams also stay informed on trafficking-related cases in their communities—standing for accountability by encouraging transparency, justice, and appropriate action from prosecutors and judges. Above all, Defender Teams exist to be a visible, informed, and consistent presence that stands in the gap for vulnerable children where they live.