Stories of Hope

Tammy’s journey through abuse and prostitution began as a child and continued into adulthood. Rescued by Shared Hope’s Partner in Kansas City, she tells her heart-wrenching story in her own words . . .

Born to an abused, drug-addicted, prostituted mother who was in and out of prison, I was exposed to violence and was a victim of sexual and physical abuse regularly. I learned to survive the best way I could. I had to exchange sex for shelter and to get my basic needs met. At the age of 15, my mother’s friends turned me out into prostitution, through a so-called “escort service.” By then, I was addicted to hard IV drugs, which I could get easily through this escort service. I spent years in this lifestyle trying to escape my overwhelming feelings of hopelessness and uselessness via strip clubs, escort services and, eventually, working the streets. At the time, it all seemed very normal and necessary to me.

While working the streets, I was introduced to Veronica’s Voice through their outreach volunteers, but I didn’t call and ask for help immediately. I had resigned myself to a life of drug addiction and street prostitution. I didn’t know any other way to live and was sure I would die this way. Being raped, beaten and robbed were all a part of the way I chose to deal with this life.

But one very cold night in early February, I was out working in a short skirt, blisters on my feet from walking so much . . . sick . . . all I was living for was [my drug addiction]. A guy picked me up. He ended up holding me hostage, raping, beating me beyond recognition with a pistol before shooting me and leaving me for dead. Victim assistance funds couldn’t help me with medical care, medicine, or even a wheelchair. The detectives investigating the case didn’t try to [catch] this man in spite of hard, ugly physical evidence that proved my story true.

But, Veronica’s Voice was there to help me and did far more than I could have hoped for. They helped me get medical care, safe shelter and got me into a drug rehab program, where I received more help and counseling. The women at Veronica’s Voice helped me become employable and I was able to land a job at a very reputable not-for-profit organization where I was promoted twice. Currently, I am attending college, a dream of mine since 2005.

The women of Veronica’s Voice made me feel that I mattered and that I was a valuable human being. My life has changed tremendously and I am eternally grateful. I want to give back that which was so freely given to me. Hope, self-esteem, a sense of purpose and the ability to dream are all rewards of the life Veronica’s Voice gave to me.

It’s for individuals like Tammy that Shared Hope works tirelessly to rescue and restore victims of sex trafficking, both internationally and domestically. We partner with organizations all over the world who dedicate their lives to saving women and children from the trenches. We hope you’ll continue to join us in fighting to eradicate sex slavery, one life at a time. Click here to learn more about supporting our efforts, or here to learn more about what our Partners are doing.