Jordan Scott was an aspiring business owner. She worked hard to grow her very own company and even ran an Airbnb. She was successful, but like many survivors, Scott hadn’t expected to endure a different journey ahead.

For nine months, Scott hadn’t realized that her partner had been grooming her to be trafficked. With little prior knowledge of the subject, she never expected it to happen to her. Coming out of it, Scott said, “It really shifted the way I see safety, trust, and the world around me.”

By using her credit and withholding any form of identification, Scott’s trafficker left her stranded financially and made it perpetually harder for her to fit back into society. “Many people leave with damaged finances and no documents, making it harder for people to start over.” With application fees, rehoming, and finding a sense of self, many individuals seek help in smaller communities to reconnect with society. In Scott’s case, organizations like The San Jose Clinic and Faith Collaborative were able to help her get her feet on the ground.

Now seeing the effects of Human Trafficking, Scott returns the favor by staying in connection with these organizations to spread awareness and information to those going through the recovery of trafficking. She advocates for survivors and preaches that society sees beyond a survivor’s past and supports their journey back into the community.

“Survivors are resilient and can rebuild their lives given the right support. I want people to see us not just for what we’ve been through but for the strength we carry,” Scott explains. “I’d just say I’m more than what I went through — survivors are. We can heal, rebuild, and thrive, especially with the right support in place. And honestly, compassion from people, even in small ways, makes a real difference.”

If you feel unsafe or know someone who might be a victim of Human Trafficking, contact your workplace or institution, or dial 1-888-373-7888: Human Trafficking Hotline.