I was trafficked at age seventeen. I came to the United States when I was eleven under the Refugee Program. I was trafficked by a couple. My pimp got twenty-five years and the girlfriend got nine years in prison for the crimes committed against me. Through our combined efforts we were able to relocate some of the other girls to safety.

Throughout all of that I was able to find employment and was introduced to the House of Globalization. I have been working with them since in connection to my trafficking case. They have made a documentary on my case and are in the process of writing a book on my experiences to give more clarity on the dangers of trafficking. A prime example of how they assist survivors is through the food pantry program. Ms. Vivian purchases food for all the survivors whether that means she herself goes out to deliver food or she has groceries available for pick up at the office.  On numerous occasions Ms. Vivian has driven multiple hours to ensure that I had a balanced meal for me and my son. House of Globalization also provides clothing and financial assistance to their survivors. They attempt to provide everything needed to the women that come to them.

House of Globalization helps all those asking for aid not only in overcoming their current situation but also in helping set themselves up for a successful future. For example, Ms. Vivian and Dr. O inquired about me returning to school. They informed me that they can assist in providing financial assistance via scholarships if I decided to go back. I declined the offer due to being financially unstable and wanting to be more present at home with my mom who just moved from Africa. I do feel that finishing my education is something that I want to do and will come back to in the future. It is a beautiful and unique thing that House of Globalization will assist survivors in returning to school and finishing your education. Being that I am involved in numerous different organizations I have found that education assistance is a rarity.

I have found that most organizations will ask you to share your story and experience with others but they don’t care to ask how they can assist you in this new journey. A lot of the time I’m approached with ‘Hey, will you come speak for me?’ What people fail to recognize is that every time that a survivor tells their story they are having to relive the experience. When telling of your past experiences it’s as if you are immediately taken back to that moment and feeling. Then when you are done with the story the response is normally ‘Thank you and I will let you know the next time that I need you.’ It feels very good to work with an organization that truly connects with the girls. Other girls and I have expressed that at times organizations make you feel as if you are being trafficked all over again (for the story/experience) in a different way. I felt used for my story by others, but House of Globe has taught me how to use my story and experiences to empower me. That is the key difference between House of Globalization and other organizations that I have worked with.

-Miss C

October 26, 2018

 

Disclaimer: Names and identifying details have been changed to protect victim confidentiality.