Category: Survivors

ORLANDO: Human Trafficking Survivor Shares Life Story to Help ‘Victims Become Survivors’

January 30, 2014

By Erica Rodriguez, Orlando Sentinel, January 25, 2014— “Standing behind a microphone wearing high heels and black-rimmed glasses, a woman named Octavis explained how she was just 13 when she began a life of prostitution. She told a crowd Saturday at Lake Eola Park about her childhood as a habitual runaway who bounced back and … More ORLANDO: Human Trafficking Survivor Shares Life Story to Help ‘Victims Become Survivors’

Former Sex Slave: “Arizona Can Do More to Stop Abuse”

January 28, 2014

By Beth Jacobs, for My Turn, on January 22, 2014— “Imagine that a young woman is kidnapped as she walks home from work. Her kidnapper threatens her life and forces her to rob a convenience store. Should she be charged with theft and held legally accountable for her actions? Put this way, it is clear … More Former Sex Slave: “Arizona Can Do More to Stop Abuse”

UK: Three ‘Slaves’ Freed in Inquiry into Human Trafficking

January 7, 2014

By Claire Hayhurst on December 9, 2013— “THREE men believed to be victims of slavery have been taken to a place of safety following a series of raids by police. Officers from Avon and Somerset Police executed a series of warrants as part of Operation Wanderer, a probe into forced labour and human trafficking. The … More UK: Three ‘Slaves’ Freed in Inquiry into Human Trafficking

CHARLOTTE: After Career in Sex Trade, Baker Finds Purpose as Entrepreneur, Mentor

January 6, 2014

By Michaela L. Duckett on August 1, 2013— “Sex sells. In a culture where women like Kim Kardashian, Draya Michelle and Amber Rose have not only become famous, but have made millions off flaunting big butts and pretty smiles, it’s apparent that even the illusion of sex can be lucrative. It’s a trap that 15-year-old … More CHARLOTTE: After Career in Sex Trade, Baker Finds Purpose as Entrepreneur, Mentor

SACRAMENTO: Sex Trafficking Victim: ‘I Was Exploited for 4 Years’

December 19, 2013

By C. Johnson for News10ABC on November 18, 2013— “Sacramento has been identified by law enforcement officials as one of the worst cities in the U.S. when it comes to sex trafficking. News10’s Walt Gray recently talked with some of those who are working to stop the peddling of young girls against their will and … More SACRAMENTO: Sex Trafficking Victim: ‘I Was Exploited for 4 Years’

CHARLOTTE: Home Now Takes In Trafficking Victims

December 18, 2013

By Marty Minchin for South Charlotte News on October 22, 2013—“A newly renovated house tucked in a neighborhood outside Charlotte has begun welcoming teenagers who are escaping from sex trafficking. Through therapy and counseling, job training, home schooling and Christian ministry, On Eagles Wings Ministries aims to help the girls overcome their pasts and move … More CHARLOTTE: Home Now Takes In Trafficking Victims

CHARLOTTE: Gallery Crawl to Benefit Victims of Human Trafficking

November 7, 2013

By Ann Sheridan for NBC Charlotte on November 1, 2013— “The city light Charlotte studio may look simple, but inside big things are happening. “Hope of love. That’s what they have little of — hope. That’s the one thing we’re in the process of changing,” Said CityLight volunteer Donya Dunlap, as she showed off artwork … More CHARLOTTE: Gallery Crawl to Benefit Victims of Human Trafficking

NEW YORK: Human Trafficking Intervention Courts Offer Help to Prostitution Defendants

November 4, 2013

By Sadhbh Walshe on October 31, 2013— “They look so young. Some of the accused in Judge Toko Serita’s courtroom could easily pass as high school seniors instead of who they are: criminal defendants waiting to go before a judge on prostitution charges. It’s a serious charge, one that can carry up to 90 days … More NEW YORK: Human Trafficking Intervention Courts Offer Help to Prostitution Defendants

FLORIDA: “Selah Freedom” Safe House for Trafficking Victims Opens

November 2, 2013

By J. David McSwane on October 19, 2013— “In a nondescript home in a nearby neighborhood, Elizabeth Fisher explains that salvation is a plush pillow and new sheets, a flat-screen TV, antique furniture. And check out the glassware. “You can’t help but feel special every time you get a drink of water,” Fisher says, holding … More FLORIDA: “Selah Freedom” Safe House for Trafficking Victims Opens

Survivor of Human Trafficking Says There’s More You Can Do

October 31, 2013

By Pamela Escobar on October 9, 2013— “A Charlotte man accused of sex Trafficking made his first appearance in court Wednesday. Detectives said 30-year old Tony Drum recruited a teen girl through an online chat-room. Police said Drum drove to South Carolina picked the girl up then forced her to work in Charlotte as a … More Survivor of Human Trafficking Says There’s More You Can Do