As I sit down to write this blog, my heart feels heavy yet hopeful. For years, I carried a burden so deep and dark that it consumed me from the inside out. I was a survivor of human trafficking, but the scars I bore were not just physical – they ran deep into the depths of my soul. I suffered in silence, carrying a heavy cloak of shame that kept me isolated and afraid.
I lived my life keeping my past hidden from others, not knowing who to turn to or where to find solace. The shame of what I had endured weighed me down, affecting my relationships with myself and with others. It wasn’t until much later in life that I realized the true extent of the emotional damage I carried within me.
Despite being out of the life for 15 years, the shame lingered, a constant companion in my journey of healing. It wasn’t until I found organizations like Rising Angels that I began to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Their support groups for survivors of human trafficking offered me a safe space to share my story, to be vulnerable, and to heal.
Connecting with Kat one on one made me feel safe and welcomed with open arms. As she shared her own experiences and struggles, I found myself nodding along, recognizing so many “me too” moments in her words. Through her openness and honesty, Kat helped me realize that I was not alone in my pain, that I did not have to carry the weight of shame on my own.
Building trust with Kat and the other women in the group, I slowly began to release the shame that had bound me for so long. I no longer felt the need to keep my past a secret, to hide the scars of my trauma. Through their support and understanding, I found the courage to confront my pain, to acknowledge the effects of living in the game, and to start the hard work of healing.
I believe that many women are walking around carrying shame from their past, just like I was. They too need that one person, like Kat, who can help them unlock their pain and release it into the open. It is through sharing our stories, through finding connection and understanding, that we can begin to heal and move forward towards a life of peace and wholeness.
My journey of overcoming shame is ongoing, but I am no longer alone in it. I have found a community of support, a network of strong and resilient women who stand beside me and walk with me with open wings. If you feel like you are carrying shame you are not alone and you can reach out to Rising Angels and talk to Kat or Lisa. We are here to support you no matter where you are on your journey.
You are not alone!
If you are a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation and in need of support, please visit our support page or our contact page and we will be in touch with you.