Every year on the Fourth of July, we celebrate our country’s independence. As we sit around at barbecues and watch the fireworks with family and friends, we are reminded of the immense sacrifice that was made for our freedom. We remember all those who continue to put their lives on the line to protect our freedom, and we are grateful. However, when I celebrate July 4th, I also hope for the day when all who are being trafficked will be free.
For many years, the women who call Dawn’s Place home were not free; they were trapped in a life of commercial sexual exploitation, forced to perform sexual acts over and over again with the threat of physical violence if they resisted. They longed for independence, for freedom from a life where they endured unimaginable trauma. Many now have physical issues and even more of them developed addictions and mental health issues that may remain with them for the rest of their lives. Will they ever truly be free?
We, in Philadelphia, hear about the “clean up” in Kensington and a popular response is, “Thank goodness somebody is doing something about that place.” I find myself agreeing with the efforts to clean up Kensington but also advocating that people not be forced out with the threat of arrest and prosecution. They need support services to leave a life they never asked for. Whatever led someone to Kensington Avenue, it surely was not because they wanted to be there getting high and selling themselves for money. The stigma that society places on “that place” and “those people” haunts some of our residents. Will they ever truly be free?
At Dawn’s Place, we offer sexual trauma recovery therapy so that our residents can take the first step in their recovery. This is a life-long process and takes an incredible amount of courage, determination, and motivation to do the work every day. And they are doing that work, they are working on healing. They are working on being free from the traumas of their past, free from the nightmares, free from the abuse that still plays out in their minds, free from anything that could hold them back from being their best selves. I believe that one day, our women will be free and I hope when that day comes a house like Dawn’s Place is no longer needed because we have eradicated this horrific human rights violation from the globe.
So, as we enjoy your barbecues and fireworks this Fourth of July, let us remember our residents and all those who are still not free from the life of commercial sexual exploitation. Help us end these inhumane crimes. Call your legislators and demand they act to criminalize buyers but not prosecute their victims. And, if you are able, please continue to donate so we can continue to provide a safe space for our residents. Together, we can make a difference for so many! Together, we can help someone claim the freedom we all deserve!
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