Teresa’s Story
*Trigger Warning: The following is a true story of a survivor of human trafficking. This story includes sensitive language surrounding sexual assault. Please consider this before reading further.
Teresa was looking for work when a family member suggested that she should go to Greece where there were more job opportunities. He arranged all of her traveling needs, and told her that his friend would pick her up. This ‘friend’ quickly became her boyfriend, and he forced her to have sex with him. He also got her a job in a local tavern/bar where she worked long shifts (up to 15 hours) for next to no money – her boyfriend would get the majority of her salary. The boyfriend became more and more abusive, and threatened to kill her if she did not obey him.
Teresa was locked up and forced to have unprotected sex with men. After a period of time, she was able to find a phone and call her mother. Her mother contacted Interpol, who then contacted the local police and A21.
We’re partnering with A21 this year to help fund their new Freedom Center in Bulgaria. Because of the Freedom Center that we will create in Bulgaria, girls like Teresa will have somewhere to go to get the support, resources and tools they need to find restoration after human trafficking.
