The War We Owe Them: Sean’s Story

2026-02-24

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In Part V of The War We Owe Them, Dave and Steve sit down with Sean Wheeler, founder of Starfish Ministries Colorado and a survivor of child sex trafficking. Sean shares his story in his own words, including the grooming and abuse he endured as a young boy, his experience being exploited in child sexual abuse material, and the ritual abuse that shaped his early years. He offers a perspective that is too often missing in public conversations, the voice of a male survivor. Sean speaks candidly about the myths that silence boys and men, the stigma surrounding female offenders, and...

In Part V of The War We Owe Them, Dave and Steve sit down with Sean Wheeler, founder of Starfish Ministries Colorado and a survivor of child sex trafficking. Sean shares his story in his own words, including the grooming and abuse he endured as a young boy, his experience being exploited in child sexual abuse material, and the ritual abuse that shaped his early years. He offers a perspective that is too often missing in public conversations, the voice of a male survivor. Sean speaks candidly about the myths that silence boys and men, the stigma surrounding female offenders, and the reality that trafficking does not always look the way people imagine.

Sean also discusses his experiences with law enforcement and the broader system, highlighting what helped, what hurt, and what investigators must better understand about trauma responses. As a member of the Survivor’s Council with PACT and founder of Starfish Ministries, Sean continues to advocate for accountability, prevention, and a future where every survivor, regardless of gender, is seen, believed, and protected.

Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT) Website:

https://www.wearepact.org/

PACT Survivor’s Council:

https://www.wearepact.org/about-us/#survivors-council

Starfish Ministries Colorado:

https://www.starfishcolorado.org

Sean's Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Wretch-Haunted-Shadows-Rescued-Jesus/dp/1498486738

Sean's LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wheelerseanm/

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