What is it like to be a victim of trafficking, particularly as a child? Survivor turned advocate Andi Buerger describes her 17-year ordeal and what she’s doing now to provide the love and support young people need to avoid and recover from the sexual exploitation she endured.
Berger is the founder and chair of the international nonprofit Voices Against Trafficking, and she founded Beulah’s Place, a home for homeless teens in Oregon.
We also speak with Alma Tucker, who supports young survivors of trafficking on both sides of the border. She was an investigative officer for the Child Protection Unit with the Mexican Consulate in San Diego before creating the International Network of Hearts based in San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico.
If you’re a victim of trafficking or think you know someone who might be, here’s who you can contact for help.
NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESOURCE CENTER HOTLINE
1-888-373-7888
or text INFO or HELP to BeFree (233733)
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS)
1-866-347-2423
*report suspected human trafficking/victims
NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE
1-800-4-A-CHILD or 1-800-422-4453
SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255
NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE
1-800-656-HOPE or 1-800-656-4673
NATIONAL RUNAWAY SWITCHBOARD
1-800-RUNAWAY or 1-800-786-2929
MILITARY HELPLINE
1-888-457-4838
or text MIL1 to 839863
ALCOHOL & DRUG HELPLINE
1-800-923-4357
or text RecoveryNow to 839863
YOUTHLINE
1-877-968-8491
or text teen2teen to 839863
