Victoria Thompson
Survivor of Sex Trafficking; Advocate; Mentor
Physically and sexually abused by family members throughout her childhood, Victoria Thompson was trafficked for sex when she was eighteen years old, just four months shy of her high school graduation. While homeless, Ms. Thompson accepted the offer of two women to share an apartment, who then abused her while prostituting her out. Ms. Thompson ultimately escaped with the help of a Good Samaritan who called a trafficking hotline on her behalf. Today, she works to train medical personnel on how to spot trafficking victims, and law enforcement personnel on how to spot those needing help exiting the sex trade.
“We need to listen to those whose stories do not fit the norm. Often, individuals are scared to speak about experiences that aren’t typical because they fear not being believed. My traffickers were violent women and this is not typical or what trafficking is supposed to look like. I want to be a voice for those who may have a slightly different story to tell so that these truths are also heard.”
