I didn't think.

Poignant thoughts and powerful words by our Embrace coordinator, Lauren:

I didn’t think. 

Until today (when I checked my work emails regarding the state of victims of human trafficking during Covid-19) about the world beyond the confines of my own home and those in similar positions as me. Like everyone that has listened to the news, I was aware of the death statistics. The struggle to live once you have been infected. The people classed as vulnerable that would need to be extra careful. The families isolating and going stir crazy. 

But I didn’t think (much) about the implications of Covid-19 on victims of human trafficking. 

Didn’t think about survivors. Those that are now being retraumatized as a result of being “locked” in their own homes. Remembering how they once were locked in by those that were exploiting them for labour and sex. Didn’t think about how they would receive funds from the government to buy their food. Didn’t think about how they would see their support workers to access help from the outside world. Didn’t think about what would happen to their impending court cases regarding whether they can stay in the country or will be forced to leave. Didn’t think about what would happen once they had received a decision on their asylum status, where they would live once classed as homeless. Didn’t think about how the lack of routine and human interaction could create an increase of mental health issues. Didn’t think about how they have no extra money to give their kids activities to do in the house to keep them from getting bored. Didn’t think about how scared they must be of getting the virus – who would have their children if they got ill – how they would understand the doctors if they had to go into hospital – what would happen if they died – who would care if they died. 

I didn’t think. 

I didn’t think about those still stuck in slavery. Those that are working on farms and factories. Those being transported from this place to that place in a lightless van. Those forced to work in nail bars and car washes. Those being made to have sex with dominant men. Those cleaning houses that are not their own. Didn’t think about those that are the brunt of their trafficker’s stress. Didn’t think about the worry they have that if work dries up, how will they live. Didn’t think about how financial need leads people into desperate need, which leads them to selling themselves into slavery for survival. Didn’t think about those that were reaching the point to be brave enough to escape, but fear of the unknown has driven them back to their traffickers. Didn’t think about the pain that someone stuck in slavery would feel if they contracted Covid-19. Didn’t think that they may have no hope for survival. Didn’t think that some may wish they caught the virus so that they wouldn’t have to exist as a slave anymore. 

I didn’t think. 

But I have thought now.

Think with me.

Pray with me.