“Kenya”

Lured into prostitution by a man she thought of as a boyfriend, and subjected to beatings and threats that made her fearful for her life if she attempted to flee, Kenya endured years of abuse and arrests.  Over and over again her pimp would bail her out and put her back on the street.  With no apartment, car, credit, or means to survive, she felt that “All [she] had was shame.”  But with fortitude and perseverance, and the help of a social services agency who offered her comprehensive support, Kenya finally escaped “the life.”  Today Kenya is a college graduate and a survivor leader and advocate who has lobbied for the Trafficking Victims Protection and Justice Act.