Angelica

Angelica’s story begins at a vulnerable age. At just 14 years old, she was coerced into a situation that would come to define more than a decade of her life. Over the next six years, she was moved across Canada, forced into exploitative environments, and denied access to stability, freedom, and basic care.

Her trafficker exerted complete control over her movement, her relationships, and her future. As time passed, Angelica was passed from one trafficker to another, her sense of safety and self further eroded by the lack of protection and recognition she experienced.

Angelica lived through this period with few moments of outside contact, support, or validation. Like many survivors, she was isolated—physically and emotionally—and told repeatedly that help was out of reach.

When Angelica was 27 years old, a critical moment of intervention arrived. Four months into a pregnancy she hadn’t had the chance to prepare for, and dealing with severe physical and emotional trauma, she was brought to the emergency department of a Toronto hospital.

Hospital staff quickly recognized the seriousness of her condition and took action. They contacted the police, whose victim services team began to assess her situation. After speaking with Angelica, they correctly identified her as a survivor of human trafficking and referred her to an emergency shelter specializing in support for women fleeing violence and exploitation.

It was the first time Angelica’s experience had been formally recognized.

Although the shelter provided immediate safety, the long-term support she needed wasn’t guaranteed. Shortly after arriving, Angelica was informed that she would lose her space once her baby was born. Like many emergency shelters, there were limitations around accommodating new mothers or offering extended care.

Angelica was faced with an impossible situation: heal from years of trauma, prepare to give birth, and plan for her and her baby’s future—all within a matter of weeks, and without the stability of knowing where they would go next.

Angelica’s story reflects the reality many survivors face after escaping trafficking. While initial crisis support is critical, healing from long-term exploitation requires more time, stability, and tailored care than emergency shelters alone can offer.

Survivors need places where they can safely transition into new lives—spaces that offer mental health support, housing, parenting support, legal advocacy, and trauma-informed care. Most importantly, they need time to rebuild.

Angelica is working toward that next chapter. She’s not just seeking safety—she’s seeking the chance to thrive.