Rising Above: A Human Trafficking Survivor’s Powerful Message of Hope

At Verity, we are privileged to witness the powerful stories of survivors overcoming immense challenges to find healing, stories that inspire us every day. While we uphold strict confidentiality for our clients, there are rare and remarkable moments when a survivor chooses to share their voice with the world—this is one of those moments.

In August, we were honored to interview Molly, a brave survivor of human trafficking who recounts her powerful story of courage, recovery, and hope. Molly’s journey to healing began at the age of 21 when she endured the harrowing experience of being sex trafficked. After her experience, she moved to California and found Verity, along with other community resources, lifelines that have provided her with the support she needed to rebuild her life.

Reflecting on how Verity supported her recovery, Molly shared that her advocate Lisa, Verity’s Lead Human Trafficking Caseworker, played a crucial role. “Verity has gotten my tattoo removed. I’ve been getting my tattoo removals. Also, they paid my phone bill, gas cards, grocery cards,” Molly explained, highlighting the tangible ways Verity stepped in to help her regain her independence and sense of self. Traffickers often coerce their victims into getting tattoos, similar to how a farmer brands cattle, to signify ownership. Assistance in removing these tattoos is not just about physical healing, but also about reclaiming one’s sense of self and freedom.

Beyond financial assistance, Verity’s comprehensive support also included therapy sessions and connections to community partnerships, such as Redemption House. “I utilize their resources as well. They have a group every week,” Molly added, emphasizing the importance of community and connection in her healing process.

When asked what message she would share with others facing similar challenges, Molly’s response was inspiring: “Life doesn’t get easier, but you get stronger.” Her words serve as a reminder that while the road to recovery is not without its difficulties, the strength one gains along the way is invaluable.

One of Molly’s proudest moments in her journey was finding the courage to leave her trafficker. “Probably just having the courage to leave,” she said. “A lot of girls get stuck in their life, thinking that this is the only way or that this (their trafficker) is the only person who’s gonna love them. They don’t see their worth.” Molly’s decision to leave was an act of immense courage, made even more challenging by the doubt she faced from those around her and the broader cultural narrative that often questions the believability of survivors. “They all thought I was going to go back. They didn’t believe. So I think leaving is what I’m most proud of, because no one believed that I didn’t want to be there…a lot of girls go back,” she shared. “It takes a lot of courage to leave and stay gone.”