Chosen: Jen’s Story

Editor’s note – This post covers material that is not your happy, good news type of stuff that you usually read on the Update. Jen’s story is disturbing, but it  definitely illustrates why this upcoming community education event on June 24th at SJCT is so important. More on that at the end of the post…

Jen’s Story

I was 8 when a new neighbor befriended me and other children on our street…

He spoke kindly to us and became a familiar face, inviting us into this home when we got off the school bus. We knew about “stranger dangers,” but he was no stranger. He started giving us treats and money in exchange for taking our pictures. It didn’t feel unsafe. He lived close enough that my mom could call me for dinner when she got home from work.

But then he began making us undress and then videotaping us. He forced us to do pornographic acts with each other, and then with adults that came to his house. He said if I told anyone, he would kidnap my little sister and kill my mother. When I left for school in the morning, I would kiss my mother good-bye, wondering if today would be the last time I’d see her. I would walk to the bus stop in terror because he would be sitting in his car across the street, reading a paper and watching my sister and me. Our bus stop was only three doors from my house – and we even had a crossing guard – but no one suspected something so terrible could be happening to us.

This horror finally ended after two years – when one day he was suddenly gone. But I was left with a lifetime of physical, emotional, and spiritual pain. Like other victims of child sex trafficking, every single day I struggle to hear God’s voice over the accusing voices inside, to make meaning out of my dreadful past and to remember that I am not my story.

My destiny was brutally carved out for me, but gave me a powerful purpose. By sharing my story, I teach others what to look for. In my case, many people noticed something was wrong but didn’t understand what they were seeing. My teachers decided I had a learning disability; my doctor saw but asked no questions.

I have finished nursing school; I’m studying to be a forensic nurse in child sex-trafficking cases. My goal is to teach medical professionals how to gently use therapeutic techniques in communicating with children such as I was, while preserving valuable evidence that will help bring their perpetrators to justice.

Indeed, I am not my story. I am a voice for those too scared to speak.

* * *

On Wednesday, June 24, Shared Hope International will present the first screening of a new sex trafficking film on San Juan Island – Chosen. The San Juan Community Theatre will open its door to students, parents, and concerned community members to help spread awareness of an often hidden crime happening at alarming rates to U.S. children: sex trafficking.

Between 100,000 to 300,000 children each year are victimized in prostitution in America. Regardless of skin color, home life, social and economic status, ANY child can become a victim of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST.) These children are not imported from other countries; they come primarily from Small Town USA – towns like Friday Harbor and East Sound. Sex traffickers target small towns because people are more friendly, more trusting, and have little knowledge of how children are lured into the trade.

The gripping film tells the shocking true story of two All-American girls who, through deceptive, manipulative relationships, were tricked into trafficking. Brianna and Lacy explain how pimps targeted them in their seemingly secure Southwest Washington small-town neighborhoods and how they were rescued. They were vulnerable simply because they didn’t know about trafficking.

A survivor of DMST will share her story, and a panel discussion will follow the 20-minute documentary.

Admission is free.

This event will equip our community with information to protect our children. Education is a defense; learn how to protect friends and children by recognizing trafficker’s tactics and what to do about it.

Shared Hope International, founded by former Washington Congressman Linda Smith, was established in 1998 to prevent, rescue and restore, and bring justice to women and children in crisis. They provide leadership in awareness, training, prevention strategies, restorative care, research, and policy initiatives.

Support for this program is provided by San Juan Community Theatre and Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor.

For more information about Shared Hope International, go to www.sharedhope.org. For more information about this event, contact [email protected].

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