My name is Emma, and this is my story of survival and hope.

Growing up, fear and uncertainty were my constant companions. My parents' addiction and violence drove me to run away repeatedly, escaping from the chaos at home. The foster care system became my new reality, but it offered little stability as I moved from family to family. Feeling isolated and desperate, I found myself on the streets, unaware of the dangers that lurked in the shadows. At the time, I didn’t realize how vulnerable I was with nowhere safe to stay, little money, and hardly anything to eat. A "friend" from foster care suggested I sell myself online for sex by posting ads. I never dreamed of doing something like that, but I was willing if…it allowed me to live the life I wanted. I never imagined the nightmare that would unfold. It wasn’t long before I was approached by a man who offered me a place to stay. He was friendly and I enjoyed the companionship. The man said I could keep posting ads as I pleased. But that quickly changed.

Soon, I was trapped in a world of threats, abuse, and forced prostitution. He trafficked me from state to state, forcing me to service multiple clients daily. I went from a chronic runaway teen to permanently missing—uncertain if anyone was missing me. 

Everything changed the day law enforcement coordinated a raid at the hotel we were at. The detective who found me became my lifeline to hope. His understanding of human trafficking and the trauma victims face made all the difference.

Initially, I resisted his help, wary of trusting anyone. But his persistence and genuine concern slowly broke down my walls. He continued to check in, offering support long after the initial operation. His patience and care ultimately led me to connect with A21 for aftercare support—a decision that would change my life forever.

A21 provided the support system I never knew existed. They offered safe housing, freeing me from the constant worry of homelessness. Through counseling, I began to navigate the complex trauma of my past. Legal coordination ensured my rights were protected and my trafficker faced justice. A21's Life Programs equipped me with essential skills for independence and success. Each day brought new opportunities for healing and growth. Slowly but surely, I rebuilt my confidence and self-worth, discovering a path forward I never thought possible. 

Thank you, A21, for helping me reclaim my life.

My name is Jaylee, and this is my story of triumph over human trafficking.

From my earliest memories in Africa, life was a constant struggle. Scorned by my own family, I learned to fend for myself at a young age. Despite the adversity, I held onto a fierce determination to create a better life. I worked as a waitress, barely making ends meet but I was proud of my independence.

A cousin attempted to take my life. Reeling from this betrayal and abuse, I made the desperate decision to flee to Europe, believing it held the promise of safety and opportunity.

Upon reaching Greece, I found myself homeless and more vulnerable than ever. That's when a man approached me with an offer that seemed exactly like what I had been hoping for—housing, travel assistance, and a job. I quickly accepted the job offer and felt a wave of relief thinking, “Everything is finally turning around”.

My trust was brutally betrayed. Instead of the promised new start, I was locked away, and forced to provide sexual services to men day and night. I was trapped in a living nightmare. Days blurred together in a haze of horror and despair.

It wasn't until a violent incident caught the attention of neighbors that led to my freedom. Unable to pinpoint the exact location, the police patrolled the area, which scarred my trafficker enough to release me. With nowhere to go, I found myself in a refugee camp, where an organization identified me as a victim of human trafficking and connected me with A21.

The road to recovery has been long and challenging. Trauma-induced memory loss from the drugs used to control me made it difficult to recall details that could bring my trafficker to justice. But with A21's unwavering support, I began to heal and rebuild.

Today, I stand proud as a survivor of human trafficking. I've completed all of A21's Life Programs, found employment, and even started a family of my own. Each obstacle overcome has made me stronger and I feel empowered to face whatever challenges the future brings.
Freedom and a new life are possible. I am living proof.

My name is Vanna, and this is my story of surviving online sexual exploitation.

In my small village in SE Asia, I never imagined the internet could be a gateway to danger. But in my early teens, I became the target of a predator hiding behind a screen. What started as innocent messages quickly turned into a nightmare that turned my life upside down. 

The man pretended to be my boyfriend using lies and manipulation to trap me in a cycle of fear and abuse that extended from the virtual world into real life. Initially, I thought our relationship was genuine and I trusted him. But, he exploited me both online and offline, and it was a terrifying experience. 

Despite the threats from this man, I confided in my parents. It was scary and my heart was racing, but their love and protection (which I doubted in my darkest moments) was evident. They didn’t hesitate and reported the crime immediately. 

The police listened. They understood the sensitive nature of my care. And they brought me to a place I never knew existed: the A21 Child Advocacy Center. There, in a safe and supportive environment, I told my story. The trained professionals listened, asked the right questions, and gathered the evidence needed to bring my abuser to justice. Every word I spoke chipped away at the power he held over me.

My voice became evidence, and my testimony was used to serve justice. The man who had haunted my life was arrested, and charged under laws to protect minors like me.

A21 wrapped me in a blanket of support. Through their Aftercare program, I began to heal. I learned that what happened to me wasn't my fault. I discovered a strength I never knew I had.

When the court delivered its verdict, I was relieved. The perpetrator was found guilty and sentenced to six years in prison. It doesn’t sound long, but its traffickers are rarely caught and convicted. Additionally, the court made him pay a fine, acknowledging the significant impact of his action. I felt like my voice had been heard. My suffering recognized. My courage rewarded. 
My story is proof that even in the darkest times, courage can light the way to freedom.

My name is Gawin and this is my story of survival, escape, and the power of support in overcoming human trafficking.

I grew up in a large family in a small mountain town in Thailand. Our opportunities were limited, but I was determined to make something of myself. I taught myself how to use a computer, social media, and English, hoping these skills would open doors to a better future. 

After high school, I worked odd jobs, but by the end of 2021, work opportunities were scarce. I came across a customer service job for an online casino in a neighboring country. It seemed legitimate, promising a good salary. Some friends from my village had found similar work abroad, so I applied confidently.

The offer came quickly. I was excited, even when told I'd need to cover my relocation costs. This was my chance, I thought. What happened next was unimaginable and worse than any nightmare.

After taking a bus to the meeting area my recruiter arranged for new hires, we had to walk all day to get to our next stop. Armed guards met us there in a van and took us to a remote location. There was no way to turn back. I found myself trapped in a compound and forced to scam innocent people online day after day. The reality of my situation hit hard—I wasn't an employee; I was a prisoner.

The horrors I witnessed haunted me. Any form of retaliation resulted in physical assaults, electrocution, and confinement in dark rooms. I even saw someone thrown from a high floor of a building. Every day was a battle to survive, meet impossible quotas, and avoid punishment.

After a month of this hell, I knew I had to escape. It’s risky to escape because many who do, are caught and brought back to the compound, and severely punished. But one night, I slipped out of the building, past the guards, and into the unknown. With the little money I'd saved, I hitched rides back to Thailand, constantly looking over my shoulder.

Returning home was bittersweet. I was free, but the trauma followed me. When I shared my story, I learned others in my community had fallen into the same trap. Several people in my community reported the situation to law enforcement, leading to a raid that freed dozens of people.

A small team, including A21, interviewed the victims and identified us as victims of trafficking. A21 offered legal support and aftercare services that would prove crucial in my journey to recovery.
I engaged in A21’s Life Programs, where I found the strength to start over. I opened a small business repairing electronics and vehicles, turning the tech skills that once made me a target into tools for my independence.

But A21's support went beyond helping me rebuild my life. They stood by me as I shared my story with law enforcement, and helped me prepare for testifying in court. Their unwavering presence gave me the courage to face the company and play a part in dismantling their operation.
The restitution I'm eligible for isn't just about money—it's about justice, about acknowledging the wrong done to me and so many others. Thank you to everyone who supports A21. Your generosity does more than change lives, it restores them.