While the exact number is not known because many instances of exploitation go unreported, the National Human Trafficking Hotline and BeFree Textline report that roughly 25% of the calls they receive are from minors.
Because there is always hope and people that are there to help you along the journey — and no one knows this better than the survivor-leaders who've gone on to help other survivors find their strength again.
One such leader is Dr. Karen Countryman-Boswurm, founder and executive director at the Center for Combating Human Trafficking (CCHT) at Wichita State University.
Today, she considers herself a “survivor of the systems and the streets.” She has been doing anti-trafficking work locally, nationally, and internationally for 23 years.
Finding others to talk to about the trauma you’ve experienced is integral to overcoming it, and eventually thriving afterwards. A supportive group of people who understand what you’ve been through is often the safest place to work through feelings, and eventually find some peace. It can also be helpful if you're still dealing with exploitation, and not sure how to find a way out.
To read more of Ally Hirschlag's article, please click here.
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