***In this post, I am going to probably make most of you uncomfortable, please know that I don’t want your discomfort to cause you harm. I just want you to understand, and sometimes understanding comes by wading through, and tuning in to, the discomfort. *** Survivor: Part 2 Now, I will be the first to admit that I use this […]
Survivor
****Warning: this piece may evoke some overwhelming thoughts and feelings, please be mindful of this**** Survivor is a label I was given.A gold sticker that says “I survived.” As though it only applies after I am not longer being victimized. But am I not a survivorif I am still aliveeven when I am still staring into the eyesof a person […]
Recruit
Let’s have a little conversation about the word “recruit.” Human trafficking and exploitation is really about three things: Power, control, and profit. If someone has experienced trafficking and exploitation, they know what it is like to be owned. They know what it is like to have someone else gain from their pain, labor, and body. They know what it is […]
Victim
****Warning: this piece could evoke some overwhelming emotions*** When does a victim become anything other than a victim?You label me this way, and wonder why that’s all I ever amPowerlessness is the mark of the victimAnd yetWe raise awareness of a crime as though this is preventionAs though I could have stoppedwhat happenedtomeIf only I had been richer, smarter, wore […]
Reminder: Follow our lead
Folks who serve trafficking survivors, I want you to think about a few things. Posting this letter as a reminder.
#HumanTraffickingAwarenessMonth 2022
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Every year, I’ve got more and more to say about that. And 2022 is no different. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be linking to some old and new posts and resources on my social platforms. Starting with this one: Save the children?