NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. -- Cathy Banaciski said it was her experience as a business owner that led to the creation of The Pink Box Project, which aims to give victims of human trafficking and domestic violence an extra resource to seek help.
- Pink mailboxes to be installed around community
- Victims of human trafficking or domestic violence can leave notes about situation
- Team members to connect those in need with resources or report situation to law enforcement
- More Pasco County headlines
"I started getting abuse victims and sex trafficking victims in my shop, telling me stories," said Banaciski, who owned Dream Bubble Shop. Banaciski relocated from Main Street to the Gulf View Square Mall last year. "It was heartbreaking, but when I moved to the mall, I realized it's everywhere. It's everywhere you go."
Banaciski said she plans to install the pink mailboxes that are the project's namesake in various spots around the community. The first is located in the restroom of The Nail Box & Viva Glam Salon on Little Rd.
"I felt honored because I think this is an extremely important issue that probably is not getting mainstream attention," said owner Mindy Jackson.
A pen and note cards are attached to the box. Victims can fill out the cards with as much information as they're willing to provide and then place them in the mailbox, which is locked. Banaciski said someone with The Pink Box Project will collect the cards. What happens next can vary on a case-by-case basis -- some people may be connected with domestic violence resources in the community, while information on other cards could be reported to law enforcement. Those who don't feel safe leaving a note can use their smart phones to scan a QR code on the box that will direct them to an online form they can fill out.
"The ultimate goal is to save as many victims as possible and to let them know that they're not alone, that the community does care," said Banaciski.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Florida ranks third in the nation for reported cases of human trafficking. A spokesperson for the Pasco County Sheriff's Office told Spectrum Bay News 9 that additional resources for victims are always helpful, provided the necessary steps are taken. While noting that the sheriff's office is not partnering on the project, the spokesperson said any tips of a potential crime will be thoroughly investigated.
Banaciski's store has closed, and she said she's devoting her time to getting The Pink Box Project off the ground. That involves lining up businesses interested in having one of the boxes installed and putting together a team of volunteers, who she said will have to pass background checks.
For more information on The Pink Box Project, visit e-mail thepinkboxproject@outlook.com or visit https://thepinkboxproject.com/