Every year, an estimated 199,000 incidents of human trafficking occur in the United States alone, with thousands of men, women and children trapped in an invisible web of exploitation. Behind these staggering numbers are real people, each with a story of survival, resilience and recovery.
One of these survivors is Victoria, who is now on a path to healing and reclaiming her life. In this interview, Victoria opens up about her darkest days, the steps that led her to safety and Safe Places for Women, and the incredible courage it takes to heal and rebuild. Her story is not just one of survival, but of hope, strength and the unbreakable spirit that lies within.
Start by telling me a bit about who you are and how you got to Safe Places for Women.
My name is Victoria, and I came to Safe Places for Women from a makeshift meth lab/human trafficking ring out of Texas. I experienced five sexual assault trafficking situations over a stretch of six years. It was pretty intense. I wasn’t expected to live. They were putting drugs in my water and my food. I was let outside once a day at about four or five in the morning. And I don’t know what happened, but one day at five o’clock in the morning, one of the guys, I don’t know if he was gonna get in trouble or not, be he goes “go.” And he let me go. So I walked out, never went back. I went straight to a shelter, and they helped me call Rescue America. Rescue America picked me up from the shelter, connected me with Safe Places for Women, and I chose to come here. And it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
How do you feel like Safe Places for Women has helped you?
Oh, man, so many ways. I was able to get a job, apply for benefits and apply for my driver’s license. They supported me every step of the way. I had a relapse moment and they supported me through that too. I went into rehab for 30 days. They never left my side. They stayed with me the whole time, supported me the whole time. They provided a really great counselor, we got to go on outings to the zoo and museums, I got to do intensive outpatient therapy, and I was able to go to church every Sunday. I was able to go to the dentist and get a female exam done. They handle everything. They’re just there for you every step of the way, down to prayer if you wanna pray. So I had a staff member that I prayed with every night. It’s just a great, healing place to be. I’d be dead right now if it wasn’t for Rescue America and Safe Places For Women. So I’m very blessed and very grateful.
What’s something you want people to know about trafficking in the United States?
Well, first of all, trafficking in the United States, especially sex trafficking, is very real. It’s more real than you think, and you’re not necessarily chained to a bed, but you are definitely “herded”. When I was trafficked they moved us around a lot, like, an apartment to a mobile home to a house. Every other week, they would rotate us around. They keep us drugged. They put drugs in our food and our water. So just be aware, especially if you’re on the street or you’re homeless or, you know, you’re online, they’re online. Be careful. Be careful because they’re online. They’re on all those dating apps. Another thing that I noticed in the trafficking world is women are expendable. We are not an asset. It’s the children and the men that they really want, that they that they provide for. They are the assets. So I saw a lot of women die. A lot of women got murdered when I was being trafficked because they were out of control. They wouldn’t behave, and were just expendable. It was scary. I stayed in flight or flight mode the whole time. My entire endocrine system was collapsing. So that’s another reason why I love Safe Places for Women, because you can’t tell from looking at me on the outside that I’m so injured on the inside. But I needed the time to rest, to reflect, to deal with the trauma.
Is there a memory of your time at Safe Places for Women that you remember fondly?
The day that I came back from rehab after my relapse. And just the moment of just complete gratefulness. I felt like I was home. I felt completely safe, completely comforted. That was probably the best day of the whole year. I thought I lost my spot here and then I was able to gain it back. And I’ve been a different person ever since I came back. When I got back and got into my bed, into my room, all my stuff was still there. Nobody had messed with it. It was nice. I felt like I belonged and that somebody cared about me and that’s something I haven’t felt in a long time.
Is there anything else you want to share or that you want people to know?
I want people to invest in Safe Places for Women. It’s a non profit organization, and it’s worth it. I’m worth it. And the girls that come in there, they’re worth it. We’re coming in with all kinds of trauma dealing with pimps and traffickers and domestic violence. It’s worth the time, energy, and investment. Because this is a place that’s needed. There’s so many girls still stuck in traffic situations. It takes a lot of strength to come here.
Victoria’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of survivors, but also a reminder of the critical need for safe spaces where healing can begin. Safe houses not only offer protection, but also provide the support and resources necessary for survivors like Victoria to rebuild their lives. The journey from victim to survivor is long and difficult, but with the help of these sanctuaries, recovery is possible.
If Victoria’s courage in sharing her story has moved you, consider supporting organizations like Safe Places for Women that run safe houses or provide resources for human trafficking victims. Your donations can help give someone else the chance to start over, find safety and reclaim their future. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. You can donate to Safe Places for Women here.
