By the time she met her trafficker at age 16, Abby’s* childhood was already marked by repeated trauma and household instability. Abby began using drugs and often ran away from home in an attempt to cope with the effects of her childhood experiences. While on the run, she was befriended by the man who would become her trafficker, using her addiction to force her to engage in commercial sex acts for his gain. He even went as far as branding her with a tattoo that marked her as “his”.

Abby was referred to Grow Free TN (GFTN) in June 2023 by the Department of Children’s Services in order to continue working on the effects of her trauma as she transitioned from a residential treatment facility. Abby was enrolled in therapy and care coordination with the GFTN support team, stating that she hoped to improve communication skills and boost her self-confidence. Abby worked diligently toward her goals. She obtained a full-time job while earning her GED. Despite her hard work and progress, Abby’s self-confidence was compromised by the tattoo that served as a constant reminder of what she had been through, even making her anxious to be in public where she might be recognized for this marking. In December 2023, GFTN was able to coordinate with a local tattoo artist for a complete tattoo cover-up, replacing the visual reminder of her trafficking experience with a symbol of her resiliency and healing.

Abby states that her work with GFTN has given her the self-confidence to feel comfortable going out in public and living her life again. She reports she feels more stable in her support system and healthy relationships. She was excited to earn her driver’s license and was even able to save up and buy herself a car.

More reminders of hope