Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness

Yesterday was such a big day for me. I revisited a location that only had bad memories for me as I had been attacked the last times I had been there. I've lost count as to how many people wreaked havoc on me at this park, but some details cannot be forgotten. There were people stalking me, I was abandoned, and there was an attempted kidnapping in the early afternoon in broad daylight to say the least. At the time, I wasn't sure what to call it, but I did recognize it as a form of abuse. I had endured a lot and was not listened to when I complained and tried to report. Those who did "listen" to me, wrote down falsified information on documents or nothing at all. Some online reports have been scrapped with no trace of being able to locate them within a month or so. 

I felt so alone, yet I was so empowered to keep standing up for myself. So it was a good thing to have the opportunity to memorialize that. At an environment where my voice was getting silenced, my body being harmed, and my personality being mocked or misrepresented, I got to spread awareness of these unspoken occurrences through flyers. 

I created some posters displaying facts on Human Trafficking. Some of that information includes:

• Generic stats
• How human traffickers behave
• Trafficker preferences
• Encouragement
• Where to report

It was liberating for me with each poster I applied tape to or stapled onto a wooden pole. The walk was different than the last time my feet hit that pavement amongst the trees that cannot speak for me. 

To add to my excitement, a little squirrel approached me in curiosity. I had never had one get so close. While standing still, I had to grab my phone to take a snap at this wonderful creature. It just looked too cute to pass up. Look at those marking on its tail. There were many playing around in nearby trees. This one looked hungry.

A good walk that I got to complete even while being injured, facts about violence to help better protect me and other vulnerable people, and forest friends celebrating with me made this day turn out to be great. I'm so grateful to finally have the opportunity to do this. I just hope that people take the signs seriously, learn something, and help spread the word. Knowing that I did my part to help initiate that may help increase safety measures. We'll see how long they get to stay up.

*fingers crossed*

Another act taken in hopes to help increase protection for members of the community more susceptible to violence.

Try to #besafe.

Written by Andrelyn Izquierdo.

Inspired by my true story.

Don’t forget! No matter what, you can always shine on.

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