Listening to the stories of human trafficking survivors provides an invaluable glimpse into the horrors of modern day slavery. In this interview, Stop Modern Day Slavery founder Rachel speaks with Keeya Vawar, a survivor of human trafficking and physical abuse.
My story started in the early 90s while living with my family in Dallas, Texas. My father was a staff sergeant in the USAF and suffered from PTSD, alcoholism, and drug use. His erratic behavior and drug use caused my family a lot of pain, and even resulted in our being homeless at times. I ran away from home because I was tired of watching my mother be physically abused by him. He threatened my life, and I finally ran away at 16.
I moved to Atlanta, Georgia and hooked up with a young millionaire record producer who lured me into sex trafficking in exchange for a place to live. He promised to take care of me, but he introduced me to drugs and had me gang raped as an “initiation” of sorts.
I was kept as a sex slave and developed Stockholm syndrome which prevented me from leaving. I lived with nine men and I was the only female.
Wow. Thank you for sharing that. It sounds like you had a very difficult childhood. How do you think your upbringing made you vulnerable to human trafficking?
I was used to being belittled my father who would tell me that I looked like a call girl. He gaslighted us all. My older brother is 5 years my senior and I witnessed him being abused. We lived in constant fear and moved around a lot
Can you tell me about how your trafficker lured you in?
The record producer lured me in with a “good time” and fame. I was in a couple of music videos and I serviced celebrities, so I felt like I was privileged somehow. He and his friends always told me that I was special and took care of all of my needs.
Many times, human traffickers manipulate their victims into believing that nothing is wrong. What made you realize that the situation you were placed into was human trafficking?
One of the record producer’s security guards threatened my life if I ever considered going to the media with my story. The death threats scared me and made me realize something was seriously wrong.
What was your relationship with your family like when you were being trafficked? Did they suspect anything was wrong? What is your relationship with them today?
I lied to my mom and became estranged from my dad. The little contact I had with my brother was shrouded in lies. They knew something was terribly wrong.
We’ve reconciled now. My brother is my best friend and I’m very close to my mother. I was estranged from my father for 17 years and we’ve recently reestablished our relationship. It’s actually beautiful in many ways.
That’s exciting! Can you tell me if there were there any signs of human trafficking that people around you ignored? How could they have helped you?
I always looked fearful and told many lies. I would rush to change the subject if anyone got suspicious. Everyone was too afraid to keep asking me questions to see if I was okay.
How were you ultimately able to escape? How was your transition from being trafficked to being free?
I was put out eventually due to some suspicion or their guilt. I don’t know. I missed my mother and brother and talked about them too much, I guess. My lifestyle continued because the person that I was put off on was trafficked too so eventually I ended up with a madam. This went on for a couple of years then I was 18 and started stripping.
How do people usually react when you tell them you are a survivor of human trafficking? How would you like them to react?
Some are shocked because I’m a pastor’s wife now! It’s only within the past few years when I decided to write a book about my experience that people began to know my story.
I don’t have a lot of people who know how to handle my life. I’m controversial so it comes with the territory. I suffer with a few mental issues, but I speak out every opportunity I get about child safety, sex trafficking, and mental wellness. This is how I support my family full-time.
I don’t care what people think about me as much anymore. I have a mission to help victims regain self-esteem. That’s my focus. That’s the mark I want to make. To know my life counted for something.
That’s great to hear that you are helping others and speaking out against exploitation. You told me earlier that you have founded your own anti-sex trafficking organization. Can you tell me more about this initiative?
Right now, it’s in its infancy. I’m still working out my trauma and getting the training needed to be more than a spokeswoman for the voiceless. My goal is to have a center for advancement and to partner worldwide with the message of hope. I want survivors to see that I made it out, got help, and thrived and so can they!
My husband and I began FAST Forward, an after-school achievement program. We also have a faith-based non-profit called Mosaic Mission Network, for which I was recognized for my community involvement last year by Forefront Living Foundation.
What do you think keeps you going in life despite all you have been put through?
My children are hands down my driving force. I want to leave a legacy for them and for my tribe of survivors. I pray I will reach my goal. I’m in this for the long haul. My faith has been a driving force that when I want to give up, I remember my example came to set people free. It’s my calling!
In your opinion, how can we best advocate against human trafficking? In other words, what can the average person do to help eliminate the exploitation of other human beings?
- Education and giving to organizations like yours who are fighting at a high level.
- Inviting people like me to speak to their organizations and for more safe houses to be built.
- Normalize the conversations at high schools and on college campuses. Provide training to educators. Make it an awareness week. Bring speakers who lived the life
- Adopt safe house We can and get involved with the law enforcement and know the heartbeat of the city. Understand that we all have a role to play even if it’s a small one. Not judging the victims is an integral part of this.
- My abusers were not brought to justice. I was afraid of breaking loyalty and I wanted to forget what happened and move on with my life. I have battle scars but I’m not letting that stop me!
Human trafficking changed me in ways that still haunt me even though I’m free. No one should EVER have to go through this, ever!
I absolutely agree. Thank you so much, Keeya, for sharing your story. I hope it will give others a better understanding of what you went through. I am looking forward to seeing your continued healing and success!
