by Women In Trucking Staff, on Nov 1, 2021 6:00:00 AM
Years ago, Jessica couldn’t show her face on camera or in public out of fear for her life. She was uneasy, constantly looking over her shoulder. Jessica is a child sex trafficking survivor—suffering years of sexual, physical and mental abuse at the hands of exploiters.
Now she is using her experiences and strength to educate, empower and advocate for young girls throughout Los Angeles County. Though she has endured a tumultuous past, Jessica has become a survivor-leader, dedicating her life to helping others in similar situations.
Over the last several years, there has been a noticeable industry-wide effort to combat human trafficking. Knowing this modern-day slavery is taking place on our highways and truck stops puts truck drivers in a position to identify victims. Survivor advocates like Jessica help victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) to escape the life. She offers various types of support, mentorship, and develops programs to assist in the recovery and employment of survivors.
Along with her work as a survivor-advocate, Jessica has spoken at various conferences, testified before the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Jessica has received numerous awards for her outstanding work with victims of sexual exploitation, including being nominated for the 2015 Woman of the Year by one of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Don Knabe.
She recently co-authored a book with Alan Smyth called, “Men! Fight For Me” with the goal of reaching men and women everywhere to fight against human trafficking. Jessica is also going back to school, working towards a degree in psychology. Her hope is to become a therapist and continue assisting children and adults who have been commercially sexually exploited.
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About Women In Trucking Association, Inc.
Women In Trucking Association, Inc. is a nonprofit association established to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry. Membership is not limited to women, as 17 percent of its members are men who support the mission. Women In Trucking is supported by its members and the generosity of Gold Level Partners: Amazon, Arrow Truck Sales, Daimler Trucks North America, Expediter Services, FedEx Freight, Great Dane, J.B. Hunt Transport, Michelin North America, PACCAR, Penske Transportation Solutions, Ryder System, Walmart, and Waste Management. Follow WIT on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. For more information, visit www.womenintrucking.org or call 888-464-9482.
