Survivor of Sex Trafficking and Factory Worker
Amelia was tricked into coming to the U.S. from Mexico by a boyfriend who promised her love and work in a restaurant or day care. Instead, her trafficker held her captive in an apartment in New York City with ten other women and forced her into prostitution. She was very innocent when she left Mexico. She had no idea what a condom was, much less prostitution. Amelia escaped her trafficker with the help of a woman who offered a safe place to live. Amelia hopes that by telling her story, she can reach others so that they do not have to suffer like she did.

“Many women get into this world because they are threatened through violence. They put on a happy face but it is a façade—inside they are suffering and are afraid to show it. People on the outside do not understand what is really happening.”