Part 2: Walking Beside Them. A Survivor's Strength

By: Jenny Castaneda, Victim Specialist

Success stories can be rare, which makes it even more important to shine a light on them. I would like to share the journey of a survivor. Hers is a story of resilience and strength and is a testament to the power of hope and the impact of unwavering support. To protect her anonymity, we will refer to her as “Aliyah”. 

Aliyah became the victim of human trafficking at the age of 15 in the summer of 2021 when she met a woman who was known in the neighborhood as a mother figure; someone who many believe could be trusted and would be able to provide Aliyah with some relief from the scarcity that she had been suffering from. At first, this woman gained her trust through love, attention and meeting her basic needs - things she lacked growing up in the foster care system. However, over time, that care turned into control, and she found this woman became her trafficker, exploiting her and forcing  her  into situations she never wanted or agreed to. 

Summoning all her strength and courage, she managed to escape and ran to a local hospital where she bravely confided in the medical staff about the trauma she had endured. Recognizing the severity of her situation, hospital staff immediately alerted authorities. The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation was made aware of this situation, and an agent, along with myself,  responded to the local hospital where we met with Aliyah. That moment marked the beginning of  her journey of recovery and healing. 

As those of us familiar with trauma know, healing is not linear. It’s filled with ups and downs and progress can sometimes be interrupted by setbacks. She had to endure the long, often exhausting criminal justice process, which felt like an endless waiting game. Amidst her struggle, she also faced the painful loss of her mother, a devastating blow that deepened her grief. On top of that, she experienced multiple changes in placements, each new environment bringing its own challenges and uncertainties. Despite these hardships, she remained determined to reclaim her life.

She bravely took the stand to testify against her trafficker, recounting how, at the time, she was willing to do anything to gain her validation, care, and attention—believing it was the only way to feel valued and accepted. Her testimony, along with that of other victims in the case, played a crucial role in securing a double life sentence for the trafficker. At the time of sentencing, she delivered a powerful victim impact statement and expressed the following: 

Through it all, she had to find ways to cope, heal, and rebuild—each step forward a testament to her resilience in the face of overwhelming hardship. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that while trauma may shape a person’s past, it does not have to define their future. 

As an advocate, I have learned that while the emotional weight of this job can be heavy, the impact we make is profound. It is the success stories and the lives changed that make it all worthwhile. 

Each story I encounter reminds me of the strength and resiliency of the human spirit. To walk alongside an individual as they transform from victim to survivor is to witness an extraordinary journey- a profound testament to their resilience, courage, and the power of hope. This is what inspires and motivates me to continue this work. To be in a position to help others and do this work is not only rewarding but also a privilege and my hope is to continue this work for many years to come. 

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 the use of data and technology in the fight against trafficking, consider a donation to Spotlight to keep this technology in the hands of first responders.