Earlier this week Kutztown University’s Frederick Douglas Institute, which stands largely for promoting academic excellence and enhancing students’ understanding and appreciation of human diversity, hosted an event on “modern slavery” which they explained as sex trafficking. Being present at this event I was able to see first-hand just how much the survivor’s story affected those who attended the discussion.
The survivor’s name is Nick Sanelli. He is a human rights activist who has been able to take his experiences and lead an open and honest discussion about topics of addiction, trauma, gender identity, and mental health.
From the minute Nick began to speak he instantly had the crowd’s attention, he also had their emotion. He left audience members tearing up, and wanting to inquire more about his story. His experience with sex trafficking, as many others, had been physically and emotionally daunting. He explained that those who controlled him had forced such a dependency on him that he felt as if he couldn’t leave. This is also the case with other victims.
He shared with us how many of the people in charge or “owners” would cause those they trafficked to become addicted to drugs. As this addiction got stronger, they would keep going back to their owner for more. Left without resources, money, or identification these people would be forced to stay as means of survival.
Most are too frightened to speak out with fear of what the repercussions may be, or simply don’t have the support they need to break free. Luckily, however, Nick’s case was different.
Nick was able to call his brother who posed as a client to get him back and out of harm’s way. Adjusting to life after such a traumatic experience wasn’t easy as he will tell you it is an everyday fight, an ongoing survival story. As part of moving past his pain he was able to forgive the man who had done this to him.
The strength it takes to forgive someone who may not even be sorry for what they had done is impeccable. Although, to humanize the situation, Nick brought up how it wasn’t the offenders fault. He was raised to do something his father had done and his grandfather and so on. He was able to put this very unfortunate series of events into perspective by saying his offender had a poor upbringing which therefore resulted in what he too had become.
Sex trafficking is a conversation we need to start having. We need to be able to recognize it and intervene when or if possible.
Nick shared a startling statistic with us; within the first 48 hours of homelessness, adolescents are approached about sex trafficking. These vulnerable children facing hardships are they coerced into a life they may not ever be able to get out of.
Fortunately for us, Nick was able to survive his experience and use that to sort of “add fuel to the flames”. He is able to take his oppression and turn it into a platform to help others. His presentations are aimed to bring awareness to an epidemic that has become all too common in our country.
Although I have never personally been affected by these events, I was so moved to be able to sit in on his speech. He was able to make himself completely vulnerable in front of so many strangers for the greater-good. We need more people to speak out about things that matter. We need to be uncomfortable to allow for change. We need less fear of being stigmatized and more agency. We need more people like Nick who are able to use their experiences to create a better future.
Thank you Nick for all that you do.