Rising from the Wreckage of Sex Trafficking in South Dakota

One Sioux Falls woman’s story about being caught up in sex trafficking and emerging from the damaging effects is both shocking and inspiring.

For about three years when she was a child, Melissa’s mother was paid by men to sexually abuse Melissa. It wasn’t until Melissa was in her late 30’s that she realized what had happened in her formative years.

“When you come from a split family without both parents at home and somebody’s giving you the attention that the other parent’s not giving you end up going for (the attention). I didn’t know what it was but it was also a craving for attention that my Mom wasn’t there to give me.”

Along the way, a series of poor choices landed Melissa in prison for robbery. It was there she came to grips with her past, but Melissa and others like her find that rebuilding a life from such a low point is no small task.

“Sometimes people go back into trafficking because those people would have supplied them not a safe home, but a home and clothes. Otherwise you’re homeless with no place of security and no support system.”

Melissa continues to heal from the physical and emotional trauma by sharing her story.

“I’m not saying this for you to feel pity for me. I want to help the next person. It’s not saving me anymore because I’ve healed that part. I want to save another child, another woman, another man.”

Since turning her life around Melissa has since earned an Associate’s Degree and is working toward a Bachelor’s Degree and is an Apartment Manager. Melissa credits the group Call to Freedom for providing the guidance and support she still needs.