CIRCUIT

I strive to be as authentic as possible in storytelling. After learning about sex trafficking from my sister Shantae, who travels the world rescuing teens from sexual slavery, I decided to interview several survivors. Their stories changed my life forever.

‘I’m not a victim anymore. I won’t be a victim anymore.’ a mantra said by survivor Cierra Robinson during our interview. Because the after-effects of trafficking can be so devastating, it can take a long time for survivors to start to feel normal and back in control of their lives, if ever. As women shared their experiences of adapting back into society with us, restoration - restoring one’s life to normal, became a central theme in our movement. “When black girls are rescued through the criminal justice system we are forced to pay higher restitution fees, get more jail time, have to deal with biased family service officers, and we face care plans that are difficult or impossible to complete, leading to a return to-the-life,” says Robinson. At the time of the interview, Cierra had settled into a new home, a safer profession, and with the support of her new coworkers, had renewed contact with her family and friends; she was beginning to get her confidence back.

Cierra’s success is rare as many of the women we spoke to felt that they weren’t moving on positively, despite being free again. Some girls were taken as young as four years old, lack the social skills, education, and knowledge needed to survive and operate as functional adults in the world. With a lack of options and community to lean on, we seldom see women in this position thrive. Many end up back on the streets and committing to a life of crime.