The Late Kathleen Mitchell
Survivor of Sex Trafficking; Founder, DIGNITY House
Nearly four decades ago, and after 21 years being trafficked, Kathleen Mitchell started the first program for prostituted women while incarcerated in a county jail. Thereafter, she worked as the Program Director for Catholic Charities, creating programs and providing outreach services to prostituted and trafficked women and youth. Ms. Mitchell opened the first long-term transitional house for women exiting prostitution and also created a diversion program as an alternative to jail for women arrested on charges of prostitution.
“My life purpose has been to provide a path for women and children to escape prostitution and sex trafficking. It’s essential to know that what we did is not who we are. I want survivors to be kind to themselves, forgive themselves, and know that this is not about who they are but what others have done TO them.”