John,

My first trafficker was my mom.

Things seemed normal on the outside. I came from an upper-middle-class family. I went to school and church. I took ballet classes. I went to doctors’ visits and met with my school counselor.

But the adults in my life missed what was happening in secret: My mother had started trafficking me for sex at age six. 

Because it started so young in my life, I thought it was normal. My mom told me, “If you love me, you’ll do this.” I was groomed to think this was love. 

Trafficking is often highly personal, like it was for me. 

I’m sharing my story to make a difference for other kids. I want you to know: YOU can make a difference, too. 

Will you give today to help prevent human trafficking?

For a short time, your gift will be matched x4.

My story doesn’t end with my mother. When I was 18 and my boyfriend promised to rescue me … he became my next trafficker. 

My traffickers used love to manipulate me for their own gain. 

I never knew that love, or family, could be anything other than what I had experienced.  

It took a long time to undo that. My trafficking ended 11 years ago, but it has felt like a lifetime.

Here’s what I want you to know: 

My story is not rare. Trusted caregivers can become harm-doers. Love is often used as a weapon by traffickers. 

In fact: 42% of trafficking victims reported to National Human Trafficking Hotline were exploited by their family.

Your care today can help.  

Your gift can shine a light on this less-known form of trafficking — so that children in my shoes don’t get overlooked. 

You can help fund initiatives like Love & Trafficking. With awareness of how trafficking really happens, helpers and safety nets will protect more kids.

P.S. I’m sharing my story to ask you: Will you protect children from what happened to me? My painting shared in this email is my self-portrait. It was my attempt to share my own vulnerability and sheer pain. As the years have passed, now I can look at this image with gentleness and know that I eventually healed enough to not feel so exposed and ashamed. I hope it challenges you to invest in healing for another survivor. Please give now for the x4 match.

*Name has been changed to protect the identity of the survivor.