LINK TO VIDEO 

Transcript:

Thank you so much. Good afternoon everyone. It’s my pleasure to be here, to be a part of this event. My name is Samantha, I’m a trafficking survivor. I’m here to express my gratitude and appreciation to the human trafficking hotline for give me a response and for taking quick action to help me right away. They helped me to be able to face what I have been through and now leads me to see a bright tomorrow. From my first call, I am now in the process of healing after I suffered a horrific situation.

It was very hard to come forward, to tell the story of what was happening But I knew, no one else will knew what I was going through except me. I remember the pamphlets that was given to me at the embassy that had the hotline phone number on it. I couldn’t understand everything on the pamphlets but I knew the number was for help if I needed.

When I called the hotline, and explained my situation they made me feel so comfortable, knowing that someone was willing to help right away. They provided me an interpreter, so I could freely express myself.

I told them what happened to me, and they keep the confidentiality of my identity, until I said I was ready to get help.

They helped me to stand against the people who gave me an extreme hardship here in the U.S. They gave me the courage to fight for my right as a human being, and let me realize that I am also important even though I am less fortunate.

To the people who are still out there in the bad situation like I was, like you I was so afraid. But the moment I talked to them on the hotline, I felt relieved. Because I felt they were ready to listen and support me.

Now that I am free from the bondage of slavery I would like to share this with you.

To be honest, I am not confident to speaking English because English was my second language. But while I’m working with the speech, I realized that my listeners do not need a lesson in English grammar, my listeners need to know there is hope beyond their circumstances. To people out there, you’re not alone on this journey. I hope and pray that you all will be able to face this challenge bravely with the help from the people on the human trafficking hotline.

When I was in the dark situation, they gave me hope. When I was so hopeless, they helped me to stand and speak up for the truth, and gave me comfort that things will get better.

Through the hotline, I discovered that there are so many peoples around who that are willing to reach me with their arms open wide and continue to motivate and help me to improve. Thank you.