cherish house resident

Photomontage

This photomontage shows the pain and suffering that I'd endured while being trafficked. The abuse, suffering, loneliness, manipulation, and the nights I cried myself to sleep not knowing who I was as a person anymore. My trafficking began like any other domino effect; things just kept happening throughout my life that led to something horrific occurring...being trafficked.

Alba* was supposed to be my "mother," come to find out I was someone else she could take advantage of. This woman took advantage of the most vulnerable part of longing to have that deep mother - daughter connection. She promised so many things that I dreamt of bonding, love, affection, family, and a mother. Instead of being that mother figure that I could run to crying, she became the person I feared most. Her manipulation cut so deep, it left scars like never before. So many lies. I was told "This is the last trick. I promise, I'll never hurt you, the pain will go away, just take this pill." I didn't realize everything she said was to manipulate me and tear me down until I met CM.

She and the rest of Reclaim13 are what helped me truly heal and know what a real family is. That family doesn't have to be blood, but the people who you make it out to be. Family is the people who love and care for you unconditionally even through your flaws. People who you feel most safe with to cry on and laugh with. Those you can be yourself with without being judged or torn down. Reclaim13 is what taught me how a family is and how a family should be. That you don't have to be sold and bought for love and affection.

However, the most important thing they've helped me discover is myself. That I'm a kind, gentle, beautiful, stubborn sometimes, but a very strong young lady who has a voice that cannot be kept quiet. This voice does have a name, Emily*. Reclaim13 is, will and forever be, my family.

*Names changed protect the identity of the survivor.