Trafficking in America: Keeya Vawar's Story

The speaker begins their narrative by expressing a desire to share their experience as a human trafficking survivor. They clarify that human trafficking is a prevalent and misunderstood issue, often sensationalized or considered a distant problem. The speaker emphasizes the personal nature of their journey and the common misconceptions that obscure the reality of trafficking, which can happen anywhere and is not limited to any social or economic group.

The speaker recounts their troubled childhood, characterized by domestic violence and substance abuse within their family. They describe their father's military background and the impact of his addiction to drugs and alcohol, which was a consequence of his experiences as a Vietnam veteran. The speaker also mentions their mother's struggles and the instability that marked their early life, including frequent relocations and the absence of a stable support system.

The speaker details their decision to run away from home after a particularly violent incident involving their father. They moved to Atlanta, Georgia, with the help of a man they met on a plane. However, the arrangement quickly proved to be based on lies and deceit, leading the speaker into a series of unfortunate and dangerous situations, including being manipulated and used by various individuals.

The speaker describes how they ended up in the music industry, where they were initially promised support in exchange for helping the music producer's associates. They recount the harsh realities of being introduced to a destructive lifestyle, including substance abuse and a violent gang initiation. The experience was traumatic, leaving the speaker feeling trapped and desperate to escape.

The speaker shares how they moved from being exploited by a group to being under the control of an individual who turned out to be a madam. They describe the loss of their innocence and the harsh transition into a life of survival, which involved moving between handlers and enduring continuous abuse. The speaker also discusses their internal struggle with fear and shame, which prevented them from seeking help or revealing their situation to family members.

The speaker talks about their decision to start stripping as a means to gain some control over their life and to support themselves financially. They highlight the contrast between the money they made in the past from exploitation and the small income they now earned legally, even though it was a fraction of the former. The speaker also discusses their ongoing search for help and the emotional turmoil they experienced during this period.

The speaker recounts their mental breakdown in 1997, which led to a stay in a psychiatric ward. This crisis served as a turning point, as it prompted the speaker to reach out to their family for support. They describe the emotional reunion with their brother and the sense of peace they felt upon reconnecting with him, marking the start of their journey towards truth-telling and healing.

The speaker describes how they moved back to Dallas, Texas, with the help of their brother and his wife, effectively starting their life anew. They discuss the challenges of adjusting to a normal life, including finding a job, creating a budget, and dealing with the mental health consequences of their past. The speaker also emphasizes the role of faith and the support of their brother in their recovery process.

The speaker talks about their internal struggle with shame and the labels associated with their past experiences. They describe their efforts to blend in and appear normal, which included getting married, having children, and taking on the role of a pastor's wife. The speaker also discusses the tension between their external image and internal turmoil, which led to a breaking point and the eventual decision to seek professional help.

The speaker describes their journey towards healing, which included counseling and coming to terms with their past. They discuss the process of accepting their experiences, the realization that they were a victim, and the gradual building of trust with friends and family. The speaker also highlights their growing desire to share their story and connect with other survivors, leading to a sense of purpose and a commitment to raising awareness about human trafficking.

The speaker talks about their decision to share their story with their children and the support they received from their family. They emphasize the importance of understanding the reality of human trafficking and the need to protect children from potential predators. The speaker also discusses the misconceptions about human trafficking and the importance of recognizing that it can affect anyone, regardless of their background or location.

The speaker provides a broader perspective on human trafficking, highlighting its status as a global issue and a significant source of revenue for organized crime. They discuss the various forms that trafficking can take and the importance of educating oneself and others about the signs and risks. The speaker also emphasizes the need for preparedness and the potential for individuals to recover and rebuild their lives after experiencing trafficking.

The speaker addresses the unexpected increase in human trafficking during the pandemic, explaining how the crisis exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. They discuss the importance of understanding the various ways in which trafficking can occur, including online, and the need for individuals to be vigilant and informed. The speaker also stresses the responsibility of society to protect its most vulnerable members and to fight against the injustice of human trafficking.