Paige* was a teenage girl who was raised by a great family in Ocala. She was a straight-A student, participated in sports, had many friends and eventually got into the university of her dreams. When she was 18, her friend got her a job at a country club and she was very happy with her new sense of independence. It wasn't long until her boss and various golfers would make very sexual comments to her. She felt uncomfortable, but her friend told her it was harmless.
The harassment did not stop at just words, as she was raped during a shift. Paige did everything she could to minimize the pain and stay in denial. But after that night, she continually got raped by her boss, his friends and other golfers. If it weren't for a therapist who cared for Paige so deeply, Paige would have been sold on Super Bowl Sunday. Her therapist got her out of town before the Super Bowl, and Paige began her long journey of healing.
"I was fragile, broken and traumatized. I didn't know who I was anymore. I began to starve myself and over exercised. I wanted to die. I know I wouldn't have made it out of the cycle of depression and self-hatred if it weren't for my therapist, family, friends and pastor leading me to a relationship with God. I was able to get therapy and attend a residential treatment center for help. I now have so much hope and feel grateful for a second chance at the life God gave me. I have had to overcome a lot of shame and self-blame to finally accept I had been trafficked, even though my story doesn't fit what many would consider sex trafficking. What I want you to hear from my story is that anyone can get trafficked. They can come from a good family with money and be educated. By continuing to stereotype and group sex trafficking into one group, we are creating more harm, shame and isolation to the girls who have a different story. I know personally how damaging that can be. We must keep an open mind and realize victims will come from all walks of life. Each survivor is just as valuable and worthy as the other, which is why I am committed to finish college and become a therapist who can help bring real healing, restoration and love to survivors."
The harassment did not stop at just words, as she was raped during a shift. Paige did everything she could to minimize the pain and stay in denial. But after that night, she continually got raped by her boss, his friends and other golfers. If it weren't for a therapist who cared for Paige so deeply, Paige would have been sold on Super Bowl Sunday. Her therapist got her out of town before the Super Bowl, and Paige began her long journey of healing.
"I was fragile, broken and traumatized. I didn't know who I was anymore. I began to starve myself and over exercised. I wanted to die. I know I wouldn't have made it out of the cycle of depression and self-hatred if it weren't for my therapist, family, friends and pastor leading me to a relationship with God. I was able to get therapy and attend a residential treatment center for help. I now have so much hope and feel grateful for a second chance at the life God gave me. I have had to overcome a lot of shame and self-blame to finally accept I had been trafficked, even though my story doesn't fit what many would consider sex trafficking. What I want you to hear from my story is that anyone can get trafficked. They can come from a good family with money and be educated. By continuing to stereotype and group sex trafficking into one group, we are creating more harm, shame and isolation to the girls who have a different story. I know personally how damaging that can be. We must keep an open mind and realize victims will come from all walks of life. Each survivor is just as valuable and worthy as the other, which is why I am committed to finish college and become a therapist who can help bring real healing, restoration and love to survivors."