TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— Human trafficking is a $199 billion industry worldwide and its victims can be found in the Wabash Valley.
Indiana ranks 22nd in cases involving human trafficking. Monday night, Patrece Dayton began a 3-part Special Report by speaking to a local woman who survived.
For most of her life, April Inman never felt important. Inman is a survivor of human trafficking.
She said, since she the age of 14 she was sold to be raped, beaten, and drugged. Sold she said, by her own parents.
“First time I was raped, I was 14. My sister’s boyfriend. My dad orchestrated it with him. After I was raped at 14, my mom had a guy living with her and when I would go for visitation I would be in this man’s bed until I was 17 being beaten, raped, drugged, starved with my mom there.”
According to Inman, her parents moved her about every three months and passed her from partner to partner. She said she was groomed to never ask for help and she was drugged, so society just looked at her as a junkie.
“I could never put into words what was going on because I didn’t understand I was being drugged and these things would happen at night and when daylight came, everyone acted normal like nothing happened so I presumed I was going crazy. Your family is who gives you an entire reputation on how the world will perceive you and how they will treat you the bad guy to society. Then they can get away with much because people assume you’re nothing but a drug addict.”
Inman now has a therapy dog named “Blessing” to help with her PTSD. The dog gets her outside and distracts her from being triggered. While Inman credits “Blessing” for the protection, she credits CODA in Terre Haute for saving her life.
When Inman finally did get out of her situation, she was homeless. She said CODA’s director, Emily Murray was the only one who listened and helped.
“I just had to survive long enough to get here and then the people would see what was done to me and even if I died, they’d know the truth. A truth that I’m not trying to hide like so many people are.”
“A great number of children in our country are sex trafficked and usually by the parents which most people wouldn’t think of,” said Murray. “I just think it’s really important that people recognize that it happens here.”
“To me, this is a chance to give back to those who gave me the chance to have a life.” said Inman.
Inman is now has permanent housing. She is finally safe and no longer silencing the violence, but speaking out to help others.
“Don’t give up hope. If you’re stuck if you’re in a situation you think you can’t escape, the time will come. It will come and help will come.”
Because human trafficking is a local issue, there’s now a Human Trafficking Coalition in Vigo County. The group trains local first responders and businesses in what to look for and how to protect our children.
If you need help, CODA has a hotline staffed 24/7. The number is 1-800-566-CODA. And if you would like to help CODA continue it’s great work, donations are always needed.
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