Survivor of Human Trafficking Finds Hope With Salon Business After Rescue
Hello October 2nd, 2023
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Rosa* is a survivor who was rescued during Operation Cattleya, an eight-month-long investigation that brought 83 victims of human trafficking to safety. During the operation, one of our counter-human trafficking task forces helped take down a network in the Dominican Republic dedicated to the sexual exploitation of victims across multiple countries.
Leading up to her rescue, Rosa had been blinded by false promises and false hope. Her friends betrayed her. Men raped, abused, and exploited her. But, that's not where her story ended. From the broken place where they found her, she embraced a new path in life—one which she now uses to help others.
Made possible through our partner's support, the 28-year-old has chosen to open a salon and pursue a career in cosmetology. Rosa's passion and drive have now flourished while hoping to create a place for others to come and gain confidence, support, and care in their time of need.
“It is something that fills me and gives me excitement and encouragement. I wanted to do it to provide a better future for my son and me, in a place where I would feel at home and where I can support other women and men in some way. In this case, I can nurture their beauty and make sure they are supported in their important moments," she said.
Rosa shares that her greatest motivation is that she will have the chance to be with her son throughout his life. She wants others to know that, above all, what she has learned from those around her, is that even when there are hard moments, if you have support with encouragement, you will come out of any situation.
"I feel an indescribable relief. In all those bad moments, this business has made me feel very happy, and I hope to be able to do more in the future. There is no doubt that my life has taken a turn, and things are happening to me that I did not think would ever happen.”
Rosa's story didn't end in the darkest places of human trafficking, and it didn't end with the safety of her rescue. Rosa's story didn't end at all... it's thriving with the hope, inspiration, and opportunity of a brighter day. To overcome is more than to survive, it is to take what those have intended to break you and use it to create something new. Her story will bring light to many women around the world.
You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. Genesis 50:20
*Pseudonym used to protect identity
