Happy Thanksgiving Day-- Remembering trafficking victims on holidays

I haven't been very consistent with keeping up with this blog. A lot happened since last time I posted anything on this blog. But, I am trying to write more often here so you have something to read on human trafficking more often and I get to say things more often. :)

I also write a weekly column on The Washington Times Communities every Wednesday. I am not allowed to be so personal on that column i.e., not allowed to ramble nor use "I". So, I would like to keep this blog as more conversational and engaging with readers and other advocates who care about human trafficking.

Besides, this helps me blab about human trafficking and social issues with other people who care, when nobody else around me is really interested in talking about the subject.

So, I recently interviewed a nonprofit founder from Alabama. Her name is Tajuan. She is also a survivor of human trafficking victim. She talked about her bleak Thanksgiving Day as a victim on my column this week. She described her holiday as a victim as follows:

Instead, her pimp made her stay out on the street longer during holidays than on other days, because sex customers usually stayed home with families on holidays making it hard for the workers to meet the daily quota.

Now, I've never been trafficked. But, I sure remember how it feels to be alone and isolated on holidays. There was one holiday that I had to stay in VA all by myself to prepare for an exam. The small town that I stayed in felt so so very dark and cold. Everything including Walmart was closed. I think CVS was opened till 6 pm but that was about it. I would imagine that the only thing that keeps anyone warm from that cold weather and dreary town during that holiday season was their families, esp. the loving parents (and grandparents) who wanted to stuff them with turkey and gravy with extra love.

That holiday, I had none of that. But I also didn't have a pimp who forced me to be on the street without food all day and not letting me come into the motel room unless I make daily quota. Without the pimp, that winter was cold enough.

Can you imagine being in a victim's shoes? It must've felt like someone stripping her and whipping her back in the cold weather while everyone is watching her. Not to be too graphic or pessimistic on this wonderful holiday, but I just wanted to share my thoughts on how a holiday is like to trafficking victims.

Comments and thoughts are welcomed.