Portait of a Survivor

           One of the first questions people ask about domestic sex trafficking involves how individuals become victims and if victims share common qualities that make them at-risk for exploitation. Although trafficking occurs in diverse communities throughout the United States, many victims share a background of brokenness and vulnerability.

           The average age of entry into domestic sex trafficking is 12 – 14 years old. Often these young children do not know their fathers, live in a chaotic environment, and have already been a victim of sexual abuse. They lack safety and protection, making them easy targets for traffickers. Pimps form relationships with victims by offering them attention, affection, and even material possessions. This fosters an emotional connection within the victim, which further ties them to their traffickers. This emotional exploitation causes significant harm as victims gain a distorted view of love and lack an identity outside of a relationship with their pimp.

           Trafficking survivors experience holistic harm from victimization. They may be exposed to violence, disease, manipulation, and threats. Long term stress and repeated trauma influence well-being. Survivors may possess a mental health diagnosis of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, any mood, anxiety or psychotic disorder, depression, personality disorder, and/or substance use. These disorders signify deeper soul issues that need healing as well as affirmation of strengths. Counseling offers a safe place and trusting relationship to process brokenness and equip survivors for restoration.

           After encountering such a desperate portrait of a survivor, many people want to know how they can help. Restoration Ministries believes that the effectiveness of our work comes through prayer. By prayer we break down strongholds in the lives of clients and claim healing for their hearts. As you make time to pray, please ask for God’s continued favor on Restoration Ministries and our relationship with the DC social service systems. Pray that we will build genuine relationships with the girls, conveying God’s love for them through our presence. Pray that God would deliver them from darkness and put a hedge of protection around their lives. Pray that our girls would place their faith and trust in Jesus. Thank-you for joining with us to serve survivors through prayer!

(Restoration Ministries’ panel event on caring for survivors of domestic sex trafficking)