Two Arkansas women among 1% of human trafficking survivors share their stories of hope in recovery
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – According to the U.S. Department of State nearly 28 million people are victims of human trafficking worldwide.
It involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some labor or commercial sex act. It also generates an estimated $150 billion each year.
In the United States, there are roughly one million victims of human trafficking, and that includes Arkansas. Sadly, 99% of the victims never find a way out. Many are trapped, addicted to drugs or, unfortunately, others commit suicide.
Kathy Bryan and Kachia Phillips, however, are among the 1%. They were able to find a way out and are now helping others survive. The two of them were brave enough to share their story in hopes others will come forward and ask for help.
The brave pair of survivors have gone on to work and help others.
Bryan founded The Genesis Project and serves as its CEO. The group has a mission of building futures free of child sex trafficking. She has trained more than 6,000 professionals in Arkansas on how to respond to trafficking victims and has saved more than 120 victims.
Phillips also continues to work as a trafficking survivor advocate. She serves on the board of directors for Hub of Hope NWA and is a reentry program specialist for Goodwill. She also recently shared her story on the Purpose Doesn’t Pause podcast.
There are multiple resources for victims of human trafficking. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available at 888-373-7888 or by text at 233733. There is also a special hotline for minors involved in sex trafficking at 800-482-5964. Arkansas residents can find more resources at UAMS.edu.
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