12 years old. That is the average age of entry for young girls being exploited and trafficked. Some, even as young as 8-10 years old. And more often then not, girls are forced into this life of sexual exploitation by a family member - her father, her mother, an aunt or uncle, a grandparent - or by someone that she knows well. Yes, the number one channel of human trafficking is familial - shocking isn’t it?

She is exposed to an evil that no one should face. Her body is sold over and over again, in person or online or both. She is never given the opportunity to have hopes or dreams. Her childhood is stolen from her.

For so many other women, they are forced, frauded or coerced into sex work or exploited online over and over again through sextortion, pornography or camming. She is told that she is good for nothing else; that her body and her sexuality is her only strength, her only positive attribute; she is officially struggling to survive modern day slavery. Those that benefit from the sale of her body continue to exploit and manipulate her.

So, what happens next?

Women who leave sex work, regardless of their age or manner of leaving are survivors. Their trauma is real, but their lives and their futures are precious. As they work to re-build and cultivate a new life, they are faced with many challenges, physically and mentally.

Gainful employment and a living wage are absolutely essential for survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation to rebuild their lives and maintain long-term stability. Without steady, dignified work that pays enough to cover basic living expenses - like food, housing, transportation and healthcare - survivors often face overwhelming economic pressure that can lead to re-victimization or a return to sex work…simply to survive.

Employment provides more than just income; it offers a sense of purpose, structure, and the opportunity to develop skills and confidence, all of which are vital for a healing from trauma and reclaiming purpose. A living wage ensure that survivors are no longer trapped in the same cycles of poverty and dependence that traffickers and exploiters preyed upon in the first place. With the ability to support themselves, survivors can access stable housing, afford mental and physical healthcare, and begin planning for a future beyond survival - a revival of their lives!

Economic empowerment and community integration is a key factor in long-term recovery - it restores dignity, reduces vulnerability, and offers the real possibility of freedom.

The is where Reclaimed Revival Boutique comes in…

We will offer meaningful employment and a living wage for survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking that are consistently working a long-term, trauma-informed pathway of recovery through a designated program. We are honored to be a part of empowering women in their recovery and for the journey ahead. There is hope in a reclaimed life. There is a revival of life when true freedom is on the horizon.