From Darkness to Dignity: Mia’s Journey to Freedom
How one brave woman escaped trafficking—and the care that carried her forward
At 22 years old, Mia (name changed for privacy) had experienced more pain than most people endure in a lifetime. Groomed at the age of 16, she was trapped in a “sex slave” dynamic with the father of her five children.
Mia spent years under control—trapped by fear, emotional manipulation, and drug addiction. But her story didn’t end there.
Today, Mia is a survivor.
A Silent Cry for Help
Mia’s cry for help came through the Rescue America 24/7 hotline, which in 2024, received over 2,400 hotline calls, with over 1,100 individual survivors seeking freedom from exploitation. She was nervous and soft-spoken, but she had taken the brave first step: reaching out.
“I’m in a really bad situation. I want to leave,” Mia said.
Her exit strategist at Rescue America gently listened, assessed her safety, and began crafting a plan to help her escape. As Mia shared her trauma, years of mistreatment and manipulation came to light. She was not only trafficked—she was often coerced and then discarded, forced to survive in a world that saw her as disposable.
But Rescue America saw her as valuable.
Human Trafficking is Happening Right Here in the U.S.
Human trafficking is happening right here in the U.S.—and according to the Global Slavery Index, an estimated 403,000 people are living in modern slavery in America today. Behind every number is a name, a face, a life that matters.
Rescue America believes in stepping into that story. Mia’s case was urgent, and her trauma was deep. But thanks to a wide network of partner programs, trauma-informed support, and transportation assistance through Southwest Airlines®, Mia was able to board a flight to freedom.
“I thought I’d be treated like a problem,” she told us later. “But instead, I was treated like a person.”
Compassion in the Skies
What Mia didn’t expect was the care she received on her journey. Southwest Airlines® partners with Rescue America to provide flights for trafficking survivors—but they do more than just provide a ticket. From gate agents to flight attendants, every interaction was marked by dignity and warmth.
“One of Southwest’s staff members walked Mia all the way to the gate, just to make sure she felt safe,” shared a Rescue America team member. “It’s not just about the logistics—it’s about how survivors are made to feel on the way to restoration.”
Mia arrived safely at a faith-based recovery program, where she is now receiving trauma therapy, addiction counseling, and the care she needs to rebuild.
Hope That Leads to Healing
Freedom is just the first step. Healing takes time. But Mia’s courage, paired with the compassion of strangers and advocates, is leading her there.
“I’m learning to make decisions for myself again,” Mia said. “And for the first time in a long time, I believe that I can have a future.”
Mia now has access to a safe home, consistent meals, case management, and community. She’s also exploring new dreams—ones that include finishing school and helping other women who feel stuck in the same darkness she once lived in.
You Can Be Part of the Story
Survivors like Mia need more bridges to freedom. Through the faithful support of donors, churches, volunteers, and partners like Southwest Airlines®, Rescue America continues to make these journeys possible.
Will you join us?
Your donation today helps provide immediate rescue and long-term restoration for survivors like Mia. Together, we can continue the work of declaring war on sex trafficking—and offering hope in its place.
If you or someone you know have been sexually exploited and want out of the life, please call Rescue America’s 24/7 Rescue hotline number at 833.599.FREE.
To report a trafficking tip, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888.373.7888.
Save these numbers on your phone for later reference!
