Life after human trafficking: Survivor brings hope to victims

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A Kern County human trafficking survivor describes herself as a sister, mother, grandmother and a person who at one time was considered as human cargo, to be sold for profit. Ofelia Flores now advocates to inspire victims to see how beautiful life can be after living through similar tragedies

“I’m speaking out, I’m trying to share my story because I wasn’t to blame,” said Ofelia Flores, human trafficking survivor, “It should’ve been the adults that carried that shame and blame, not children.”

Kern Families Against Crime hold fundraiser at Handel’s Ice Cream Tuesday

Back in the 1980s, 17’s News Director Michael Trihey first covered Flores’ case when he was a reporter for the Bakersfield Californian.

Back then, it was a different world and victims were painted in a different light.

“I have these articles and they’re not great headlines. It’s like trauma porn to me,” said Flores, “They want to like, “ooh, what happened?”, and I just think that’s horrible.”

But 40 years later, she still remembers a deputy who saw past her crimes. And saw her as a human being who needed help.

“One of the things that happened when I was being transported, there was a BPD, no, there was a Sheriff that said “Hey”, he called on the radio, he said “Hey, she needs to go to Shalimar, why am I taking her to juvenile hall? She’s clearly a victim.” said Ofelia Flores, “And by that officer saying that for the first time, coming from almost two years of absolute madness, he’s seen me as a human being.”

Influencer documents the dangers of driving in Bakersfield

Flores now dedicates her life to showing victims and survivors how worthy to have a beautiful life they are. Something she wishes she knew herself.

“What would you tell your teenager self?” asked reporter Cecilia Treviño.

“That you’re going to have a beautiful life…” said Ofelia Flores.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.