Witness Walk
Witness Walk
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Since 2019, over 500 people have gained awareness of the impact of sex trafficking through a project I collaborated on with seven trafficking survivors:
Since 2019, over 500 people have gained awareness of the impact of sex trafficking through a project I collaborated on with seven trafficking survivors:
Traffic is based on a research study called "Mapping the Demand" conducted by Lauren Martin and her colleagues at the University of Minnesota. It utilized multiple methods and exposed patterns of sex buying in Minnesota.
Trauma is based on how the seven survivors answered the question: "how were you impacted from being trafficked?"
Their responses:
Their responses:
- I never felt loved in my relationships unless my self-worth could be proved by the amount of money I made.
- Prostitution is emotionally draining. It stays in my mind. People died right at my feet.
- Diagnosed bipolar disorder. In and out of jails and treatment centers. I lost my children to the system.
- I'm struggling mentally, but I won't admit it. I don't want people to think I'm weak. I still have nightmares about what I saw and the pain I felt.
- It's hard to find a decent place to live. I put up a big wall so no one can get in. I don't trust men now.
- Just making it through alive is a miracle. I had guns pulled on me. Now I have a criminal record.
- I thought it was easy money. Drugs got in the way. I thought as a child it was the glamorous life.
Treasure is where the survivors describe the best parts of their lives as girls and sources of strength now.
Their responses:
Their responses:
- I followed my grandmother around like her shadow. I love to try and imitate her ways and help her sew.
- Camping, God, support groups, grandchildren. My Mom is by best friend. My twin. God. Breaking Free.
- Basketball, running track, cheerleading, marching in the band, getting my driver's license, Breaking Free, church family, fellowship.
- My baby sister has gotten me through everything. God has blessed me with my own personal angels.
- Just being with Mom, spending the night at grandma's.
- My therapist. Breaking Free sisters. To not see my granddaughter go through the trauma that I experienced.
- Teaching other people what I have dealt with. Support. Therapy. Daughter & grand-daughter.
If you are interested on showing these pieces and/or having the artist introduce them, we would love to partner with you. Please contact us by email at tom@witnessarts.org.
If you are interested on showing these pieces and/or having the artist introduce them, we would love to partner with you. Please contact us by email at tom@witnessarts.org.
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