my husband: A REFLECTION ON allies & advocacy
When Anthony and I first started dating, the reality of human trafficking was a world he barely knew. He was gentle, cautious, and honestly, a little shocked by what I shared. Like many, his understanding was mostly shaped by Hollywood, far from the brutal truth. But that's where his journey began.
Anthony, a grocery store worker, a punk at heart and in style, and a fiercely independent thinker, surprised me. He could have easily stayed in his comfort zone, distrusting the 'system' that I work within to dismantle trafficking networks as he always had. But he didn't. He listened. He asked questions. He researched. And he confronted the ugly realities of trafficking, not just in broad terms, but in the specific, heartbreaking details.
Now, Anthony uses his voice online, engaging in conversations about porn and related issues, sharing links to organizations that educate people about the harms and truths of trafficking. He's become a teacher, a voice of reason in spaces where misinformation often reigns.
What's truly remarkable is how Anthony's journey mirrors the experiences of many survivors. He's an 'outcast,' someone often mislabeled and underestimated. He knows what it's like to be judged unfairly, just like so many survivors. He understands that appearances and stereotypes can be deceiving.
More than anything, Anthony has taught me what true love means. He's not just an ally in this fight; he's my rock. When I'm burned out, overwhelmed, or questioning my own abilities, he's there with unwavering love, respect, and encouragement. He reminds me that I'm strong, that I'm making a difference, and that we're in this together.
Anthony's story is a powerful reminder that anyone can become a force for change. You don't need a fancy degree or a platform. You just need a heart that's open to learning and a willingness to speak out. He shows us that even the most unexpected voices can become powerful advocates.
And that's the message Voice for the Silent wants to share: you are welcome here. You are needed here. You can make a difference.
Carrie ferri: A REFLECTION ON allies & advocacy
In the midst of my journey, a beacon of strength and unwavering support emerged in the form of Carrie Ferri. She's become something of a surrogate mother to me, a fierce protector and a source of unconditional love, filling a void left by a childhood marred by abuse.
My own mother's actions were deeply damaging, experiences like being taken to Vegas at 15, illegally intoxicated, and forced to engage with older men. These wounds ran deep. But when I moved to my current neighbourhood, and Carrie learned of my trafficking story, she didn't hesitate. She stepped in, becoming the mother I always longed for.
Carrie is a force. She's fiercely intelligent, unapologetically herself, and won't tolerate anyone pushing her around. She stands up for me in ways I never thought possible, a stark contrast to the experiences that shaped my past. To have someone fight for me, truly fight for me, has been transformative.
What makes Carrie's story even more extraordinary is her own connection to the very issue we're battling. Her journey is marked by profound personal trauma. Her father, a cheater and a liar, forced her into sexual activity at the age of 17, a violation that compounded years of physical abuse, even from within the womb. She was also ostracized from her family for dating a man of colour, a painful experience of rejection and prejudice.
Further adding to the complexity of her past, her father was involved in the infamous Stuckless case at Maple Leaf Gardens, where he worked as security. He used his position to befriend single mothers with male children, facilitating his pedophilic activities, for which he was ultimately charged.
Her son became a human trafficker. We've spoken at length about him, and I'm almost certain our paths have crossed. It's a painful truth, a stark reminder that this issue touches lives in the most unexpected ways.
Carrie's willingness to share her story, to confront the complexities of her own experience, is a testament to her courage. She brings a unique and invaluable perspective to the fight against human trafficking, one that sheds light on the multifaceted nature of this crime. Her story is a powerful reminder that even amidst profound personal pain, there is the potential for profound healing and transformative advocacy.
Carrie embodies the power of resilience and the unwavering strength of a mother's love. She demonstrates that even with deep personal wounds, one can become an incredible source of strength for others. Her bravery inspires me, and her presence in my life is a constant reminder that healing and hope are always possible.
Carrie is a vital part of our mission at Voice for the Silent, a true testament to the power of human connection in the fight against exploitation.
