Street rally raises awareness about human sex trafficking

Human sex trafficking victim Katya told students Friday night about her experiences after she traveled to America.

Originally from Ukraine, Katya was persuaded by two men to travel to the United States. Once she arrived, the men claimed she owed them $25,000 for the trip and forced her to work for them in order to pay her debt.

“It was horrible,” Katya said. “I spent four, five months planning to escape.”

Katya, who did not reveal her last name, spoke to more than 150 people Friday in the Bovee University Center Auditorium as part of “Take Back the Night,” a rally to raise awareness about human sex trafficking.

After managing to reach someone who was able to help her, Katya escaped. In the ensuing trial, the two men were convicted for human sex trafficking.

One was sentenced to 14 and a half years in prison and the other got seven, she said.

Katya was accompanied by Notre Dame professor and prosecutor Bridgette Carr. Carr said there have been various cities where human sex trafficking victims have been found, including Detroit, Dexter, Farmington Hills and Saginaw.

“Human trafficking is everywhere,” Carr said. “Everyone is part of the solution.”

Katya’s story is just one of many.

“Approximately 800,000 to 900,000 victims are trafficked annually across international borders,” Carr said.

After Katya’s speech, the crowd headed outside to march down the streets.

Carrying signs against sexual abuse and wearing T-shirts in support of victims, students and community members walked through Mount Pleasant.

People gathered in doorways and traffic stopped as the uproarious marchers chanted “Take Back the Night” down Main Street.

The march ended at the Veterans Memorial Library, where the remaining participants listened to victims of sexual and domestic abuse tell their personal stories.

“It’s an amazing feeling that someone can go up there and tell their story and just basically spill their soul,” said Alma senior Paul Gilbert. “I think it’s great.”

Their testimonies drew an array of reactions from the crowd.

“It just angers me that it happens,” said Saginaw senior Sasha Johnson. “Society makes them feel like they can’t talk about it.”

As the last few people relayed their personal struggles, many were welling up with tears.

Erica Ray, a Capac graduate student who helped organize the event, said people can make a difference in today’s society.

“You can get up and do something- you can physically make a change in the world.”

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