'It can happen everywhere.' Human trafficking survivor shares story as Westchester fights to combat issue
The fight continues to combat human trafficking in Westchester County. It's a crucial issue that survivors and advocates say is only getting worse.
The fight continues to combat human trafficking in Westchester County. It's a crucial issue that survivors and advocates say is only getting worse.
"We tell our fight and our declaration of wars," says Treia Star Boozier.
For Boozier, that battle is putting a stop to human trafficking. It's something she knows so much about because she survived it.
"It's probably one of the worst experiences I've ever had to deal with in my life," Boozier explains.
Boozier grew up in White Plains. She was just a teenager when she says, she was going through a lot at home. She turned to the internet for comfort.
"Throughout that process, me and a gentleman got really close. He was about 51 years old. For about two months, he promised me everything in the world," says Boozier.
But things changed when she visited his home.
"He chained me up and repeatedly beat and abused me for about seven days straight. When I refused him, he sold me to his friend for $200 and some yard work," Boozier tells News 12.
Boozier says she was eventually able to get out and get help from local organizations like the LifeWay Network.
"Westchester is really kind of a prime location for human trafficking given our proximity to New York City, New York also has access to major airports," says Alison Boak who, serves as executive director with the organization.
Boak says they've really seen an uptick in all kinds of human trafficking cases since the pandemic.
"We saw a huge, huge increase in online recruiting," Boak explains.
That's why she says spreading awareness on the issue is so important. January is national human trafficking prevention month.
"It happens in every community, and it's a growing issue. LifeWay Network engages with survivors who have been trafficked throughout New York, including right here in Westchester," says Boak.
The LifeWay Network is holding a special event at the end of the month. It includes an opportunity to learn firsthand about human trafficking from survivors.
The details are here.
If you need help, there are resources available. You can reach the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Additional information is here.
