Jessica’s Journey

Dec. 8

I was really young when it started. I experienced a lot of abuse as a child. People that I trusted, my parents, my family, I was betrayed by them all. It’s difficult to come to terms with what happened, the fact that someone could traffic a child. Growing up in this environment made it impossible to understand boundaries, I believe this is why I ended up living this life.

Growing up in my shoes was far from a fairytale. Despite the situation, I was able to make it through school and even get into college. Leaving home felt like such a relief. A new start. But this wasn’t the case. I fell into situations that led to more abuse. Led to being more heavily used for human trafficking. I found myself trusting people that would promise me the world. I wanted so badly for it to be true, so I couldn’t see the red flags. I was blind to the reality of these situations until I was so deep in it, it felt impossible to get out. I found myself in a really scary relationship, becoming dependent on drugs, and ended up having to drop out of college. I was back home. I was at a loss. It felt like I went from one scary situation to the next. The only way I felt like I could make money to escape was to start selling myself. It felt like it was all I knew at this point. I spent years barely surviving.

I knew I needed help. I felt like I was simply bouncing from one abusive situation to the next. It was awful. It got so bad that in March, I fled. I put the bare necessities into a bag and left home. I walked the highway. I found myself seeking shelter wherever I could. I was picked up by a truck driver and driven to Brampton. This was where I found refuge in a shelter and was helped by victim services. It was them that connected me with the YWCA Safer House. I moved into the program in June. When I arrived here, I had very little hope. It felt like I was walking through a dark tunnel and no light could get in. Slowly the social workers helped me to regain my independence. One aspect of this program that had a huge impact on me was having access to a clean kitchen. Growing up I didn’t have this. In fact, I never had this. For the first time in my life, I felt independent. I could make myself healthy meals. It may seem small, but it was a really big deal for me. For my healing.

Through talking with the social workers, bonding with my fellow housemates, regaining my independence, and living without fear… I feel like I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. This program has allowed me to go at my own pace. I never felt rushed. I never felt misunderstood. I was fully met where I was and accepted. I feel ready to move forward. Through the YW’s Safer House I was connected with another program out of province. This new program will further my rehabilitation and help to fund my education. I have big dreams. I hope to one day be accepted to medical school! I know I’m capable and I finally feel like I have the support around me to do just that.

My other dream is to be able to come back one day and help support the Safer House program. I’m so happy that telling you my story will help to educate our community about this incredible place. When I leave here in a few weeks I’ll be donating some clothing and anything I can. Right now, we have 6 beds. It’s simply not enough. The house is so often full. I can’t imagine where I'd be if there wasn’t room for me here when I needed it. I will be a lifelong supporter of the Safer House. I will never forget what this place and these people have done for me.

Seeing young women come to our Safer House hits me in a way I’m not sure I can describe. It hurts. It angers me to hear what has happened to them. The continual trauma they have experienced. Darkness I wish on no one. They deserve better, they always did. The absolute look and feeling of defeat as they come to our doors and into our programs like the Safer House is something I never want to see or hear again. And yet, we continue to. I want better for them. I worry about each and every one of them because how do you come back to life after all of that? I want them to know they are worth so much more. That they are valued in this world and loved. That they can do anything they want to do. These are all things we focus on helping them with. Hearing Jessica’s story upset me to my core. but her passion to make a difference in people’s lives and for future survivors at the Safer House gives me great hope. It inspires me to keep going. She’s continuing to fight for a better life for herself and others. It also warms my heart that even as she’s exiting the program, she will give back. Because giving matters.

I’m hoping this holiday season you’ll bring a little bit of brightness to the lives of everyone in our programs including young women like Jessica in our Home to New Beginnings for survivors of human trafficking program here in Niagara. Whatever you can give will make a difference in their journey.

Eternally grateful for you and your support,