Jerome Elam was sexually assaulted and trafficked into a pedophilia ring by his mother’s boyfriend from the age of five until twelve years of age, when he attempted suicide and was removed from his family. Now a married father of twins, Mr. Elam served in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years, later attended the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree, and now works in biotechnology. He is the Founder, President, and CEO of Trafficking in America Task Force, a survivor-led nonprofit focused on ending human trafficking through education, training, and advocacy, and he has also served on the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council.
Jerome Elam
Child Sex Trafficking Survivor; Founder, President, and CEO, Trafficking in America Task Force; Leader; Marine Corps Veteran; Member of the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council; Writer; Anti-Trafficking Advocate
“Anyone can be a victim. There are misconceptions about male victims. Most male survivors don’t speak out. It is possible to start our lives over again as men and accept that we were victimized. The experience and trauma is always a part of you but does not define you. There are always triggers. Triggers can be as simple as a look, a cologne, a song. You find yourself being dragged into depression. You must dig your heels in and fight it. You need to want to survive and experience the fullness of life, happiness, friendships.”