WORD ON THE STREET
With our Task Force’s mission in mind, we strive to find new strategies for dealing with this challenge. Supporting victims of this crime is something we take seriously, and our team works each and every day to help make a positive impact even without easy solutions.
I was afraid to walk to the bus stop because of safety at the shelter location I was staying at, but once my case manager walked with me to the bus stop and showed me how to use it, it was fine.
Survivor
They help you get resources, but they are also there or you and care for you. They give you humanity.
Survivor
Moving forward has been hard. You offer us everything so it's a great program, but it's still hard to move forward. I always ask my therapist: When will this pain going to end? When can I stop thinking about what happened? She responds that it doesn't matter the time that passed. It's always going to be with you, but there's going to be a time when it doesn't hurt. It's like having a scar. The scar will always be there and you'll see it, but it won't hurt.
Survivor
When we are recognized as victims, you understand us more. Victims need help knowing how to move forward, for us and our family. We are eternally grateful for these organizations that help women like me who are now able to have a new future not just for ourselves, but also our kids.
Survivor
I wanted help because I wanted to be back with my family and not be on the streets. They helped me more than I thought.
Survivor
I was a victim from when I was with my ex-husband. The word victim validates that something bad happened to me. But, that was before. I am a survivor now. I am not a victim anymore.
Survivor
Victim is someone who can't defend themselves. Survivor is like I'm a winner and I made it. The traffickers didn't get what they wanted and I beat them because I survived."
Survivor
You can always try to ask for help. But for me, I stayed quiet because I didn't really want anyone to know what happened to me. It was too painful that I didn't even want anyone around me or talk to me. But, I suggest getting help. It's always good talking to someone who can help you out.
Survivor
Please trust and try. There's no reason not to try. You won't lose anything. We are in a different time and now there are people to help us women who are victimized.