O.R.D.

If you recognize that you have been trafficked, then you are way ahead of the game- this is half the battle.

 

Your biggest concern upon leaving is finding  a safe bed where you can stay.  The biggest problems that you face are:

1) Working up the nerve to run.

2) Finding a safe place to go.

3) Keeping up the nerve if there is a waiting list.

4)Working out with them a way to be alerted that they are ready for you that you can keep secret from your pimp.

 

Going into the situation, be aware of these issues so that they don't discourage you and follow these steps:

 

1)Call 211 and let them know that you are a victim of human trafficking, that you have been prostituted against your will, that you are afraid for your safety, that you are in imminent danger and need somewhere safe to stay while you try to get into a safe situation.  The YWCA Women in Jeopardy program and the Road Home programs are good resources.  211 will know how to connect you with them.

2) Work out the process of obtaining safe housing with  your case worker.  

3) Refuse to fall into the common mistake of being impatient and jumping without a stable and safe place to go to work things out.

4)After you are somewhere safe, let the shelter program help you- they will have the ability to assess your needs and help you get to appointments.

5) If you lack ID but know your social security number, you are in luck.  If you lack the proper information to get your ID card, then you need to call the Department of Workforce Services (your shelter can help you with this) and ask to speak to a counselor.  Let your counselor know your situation and ask to be connected to the Life Program.  The Life Program will foot the bill and do the fancy work to get you your ID, your GED, and a job. This is a really great program but you need to mention it by name as it is lesser known and it is not the first thing that people will think of.  If you are over 21, ask for the WIA program.  Often, the same person who directs the Life Program also directs the WIA program.

6)Chances are that you will have DID- dissociative identity disorder.  This is due to the trauma of being trafficked.  Do not pretend not to have any problems!  Get evaluated with the help of your local Department of Workforce Services.  Once you have a diagnosis, you can get financial assistance, food stamps, and medical benefits.  DO NOT LET YOUR PRIDE PREVENT YOU FROM GETTING THESE BENEFITS.  You will definitely need this support to become independent long-term.  If you are itching to live with dignity, eat your pride and go through the system because that is how you will be able to live with dignity for the rest of your life.  Use the benefits until you no longer need them.

7) If you are under 18 and have a sex offense record, you can have that record expunged under the Safe Harbor Laws.  Your shelter should be able to help you get that process started.

 

Finally, if you have a pet that your pimp gave you or let you buy for yourself- LISTEN UP!  The reason that he let you have it is so that he can keep you on a short leash.  He knows how much you love that animal.  He knows that it has kept you sane and that you want to protect it.  He knows that you know that he will hurt or kill it if you disappear.  You can ask the shelter if you can bring your animal with you.  If the answer is no or if leaving with the animal will arouse suspicion, then you will have to make a hard decision.  You need to know the following:

The average age a pimp starts prostituting a person is 13.  The average life span of a prostitute is 7 years.  The average age that they die is 17.  The most common cause of death is murder and the most common murderer is their pimp- because they have become more self aware and are more likely to want to take their lives back.  If you stay in, you will die.  If you get out, you can live life on your own terms.