Trafficked Women Find Freedom and Restoration at Mercy Multiplied
January 11, 2018
“Growing up in an average middle class family, no one ever suspected that I was being sex trafficked and sexually abused by my father,” said Ally upon her graduation from Mercy Multiplied, a Christian residential program for young women ages 13-32 struggling with life-controlling issues.
Before attending Mercy Multiplied, Ally had suffered sexual abuse beginning at age two. The abuse progressed, and by age 10, her dad forced her to have sex with men for money. “He would pick me up from school several times a week and take me to warehouses and back rooms to meet with ‘clients,’ said Ally. “Despair was my constant companion.”
Amy is another young woman who came to Mercy after years of being sex trafficked by her father. “My father would dress me up in outfits and take me to parties where I was the entertainment and the ‘play toy.’ I was eventually forced into prostitution and making pornographic videos.”
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Even with the rise of sex trafficking awareness and crackdown in America in recent years, Ally and Amy are two of many sexually abused and exploited young women who have come to Mercy Multiplied for help. For over three decades, Mercy has helped thousands of young women find freedom from destructive issues like sex trafficking, as well as self-harm, drug and alcohol addiction, and eating disorders.
“After several suicide attempts and 11 hospitalizations in two years, I turned to Mercy for help,” said Ally. “While at Mercy, my hope was restored and my life forever changed by the unconditional love of God. Finally, I had a perfect Father.” Ally is now married and has a family.
Amy was able to break away from her trafficking situation at age 21, but suffered from a severe eating disorder, struggled with cutting, and tried to commit suicide many times. At Mercy Multiplied, Amy experienced God’s healing and transformation. “It wasn’t easy, but little by little God’s love began to reach my heart and heal my brokenness,” she said.
Amy went on to graduate from nursing school and get married. “I can hardly believe where I was before,” she said. “I have been completely restored!”
The U.S Department of State estimates one million children are exploited by the international sex trade. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports that there are 100,000 to 300,000 underage girls being sold for sex in America. The numbers are staggering, but stories like Ally’s and Amy’s prove there is hope.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sex trafficking, Mercy Multiplied can help. Our program is completely free to the girls we serve. Call 615-831-6987 for more details, or click here for a program application.
For more information on sex trafficking, visit our Signs and Symptoms page. To support Mercy Multiplied in making a difference in the battle against sex trafficking, please click here.
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