Every time the O.U.R. Aftercare Team walked into “Jasmine’s” aftercare home, they noticed a change in her. Over the course of a year, these changes were subtle – maybe it was a bigger smile, new glasses, or a change in her countenance. Every time they spent time with her, she was more and more kind to others, slowly softening the tough exterior she brought to the aftercare home. Jasmine didn’t come from an easy background and quickly developed a toughness to survive. When she was young, a gang lured her in and began trafficking her to local community members and other gang members. Jasmine’s mother eventually caught wind of what Jasmine was doing and wished for part of the profit. Instead of rescuing her daughter, she began selling Jasmine in the bar she owned. After all of this, Jasmine survived and was rescued. During the court process, Jasmine’s social workers found an aunt that she could safely live with. When it came time to say goodbye to her fellow survivors and friends on her last day in the aftercare home, she began to cry. Her tears were met with an audible gasp around her, because none of the girls or staff had ever seen her cry, even through therapy. After all that Jasmine had been through, she had come to a point where she felt safe enough to cry. Everyone in the aftercare home embraced her and supported her through her tears, and they all celebrated her accomplishments and future. Part of the healing process for many survivors of human trafficking is learning to feel safe and loved after experiencing trauma. We value these moments of hope and light. Jasmine lives with hope and love, walking on her path to healing from the trauma she endured for so many years.
Every time the O.U.R. Aftercare Team walked into “Jasmine’s” aftercare home, they noticed a change in her. Over the cour... was originally published here https://www.instagram.com/p/CGD8f7mBUu2
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