A 12-year-old Fairfax girl's story of human trafficking

It's hard to believe, but human trafficking (especially teen sex trafficking) is a significant problem in Northern Virginia. This past January was National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month so we decided to focus on the issue back then. We were joined on January 11 by Barbara Amaya, a survivor of human trafficking from age 12 through 21, who now works as a human rights advocate and is the author of the award winning book Nobody’s Girl, A Memoir of Lost Innocence, Modern Day Slavery and Transformation. We were also joined by Kay Duffield, Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Initiative (NOVA HTI), a non-profit that is working to eradicate human trafficking in the local area. Barbara and Kay shared their stories with us and told us how we can join them in working to eliminate this problem from our communities.

IF YOU'RE A VICTIM OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING, PLEASE CALL THE NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE AT 1-888-373-7888 FOR HELP.

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

We all need to recognize that human trafficking exists in our backyard.

Take the time and effort to consider the people around you. If you feel like something is wrong with someone, it probably is.

Red flags and signs to look for to identify possible human trafficking victims.

A higher purpose emerges from a prolonged and painful period of life.

Human trafficking is a horrific evil.

FULL INTERVIEW

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For more information: Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Initiative, Barbara Amaya's Website, Barbara's book: Nobody's Girl, The National Human Trafficking Hotline

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Intro and closing music: Reston Bible Church Worship Band, This Cornerstone album, Father, Let Me Dedicate