By: Oree Freeman, National Speaker
They said I wouldn't make it, that I wouldn't live past 18, that I wouldn't ever graduate, let alone stand in front of thousands, sharing my story and fighting for change. But here I am—not just surviving but thriving. My journey—from victim to survivor, from survivor to servant—proves that healing happens in relationships, that resilience is real, and that no one is beyond redemption.
For years, I've seen the world sensationalize human trafficking, painting it as a dramatic abduction by a stranger (which does happen sometimes). But my story, like so many others, wasn't a headline—it was a slow, painful unraveling of innocence. Trafficking isn't always about physical chains; sometimes, it's about the invisible ones—manipulation, coercion, and cycles of abuse that started long before anyone called me a victim.
I was 11 years old when my innocence was stolen, and my life became a series of back alleys, motel rooms, and desperate cries that no one seemed to hear.
The biggest misconception I wish people understood? That being recovered isn't the end of the story. Recovering someone from trafficking is just the beginning. What happens after—the fight to rebuild, to trust again, to believe in the future—is where the real work begins.
Before I could fight for others, I had to fight for myself. And before that, I had to believe that what happened to me wasn't my fault. That journey started with people—people who saw me as more than just another statistic, people who didn't give up when I pushed them away, and people who loved me when I didn't know how to love myself.
Healing doesn't happen in isolation. It occurs in the moments when someone shows up again and again, proving that they aren't going anywhere.
I now dedicate my life to ensuring survivors have those people in their corner, mentors, safe spaces, and a community that refuses to let their past define them.
For years, I put my education on hold to train others—law enforcement, social workers, educators—to support survivors better. I've spoken in rooms where I was the only one who truly understood what it means to survive trafficking. I've walked onto stages and poured out my heart, not just as a speaker, but as someone who has lived through the darkness and come out on the other side. I've shared my story at commencements, galas, and training sessions because words can transform lives. But I knew I needed my education to have an actual seat at the table. I needed the knowledge to match my experience. That's why I went back to school. Not just for me but for every survivor who thinks their future was stolen from them.
If you think you know someone who is a victim of human trafficking, reach out to your local police or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888).
If you are inspired by Oree's story, follow her on Instagram.
We are grateful to Oree for sharing her story, expertise, and invaluable insights. Oree was compensated for her time, and we encourage others to recognize and compensate survivors for their lived experience and professional contributions. Survivor leadership is key to creating effective, informed, and survivor-centered solutions.
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