CW: Attempted Suicide, Substance Use, Sex work
Jen and Tesha talk with Kaitlin Bick, a survivor of domestic sex trafficking. Kaitlin shares her story from meeting her trafficker, developing a relationship with him, being trafficked, and finally leaving, and now advocating for others. Kaitlin’s enthusiasm, positivity, and resilience to deliver a message of hope to other survivors and those who are struggling.
About Kaitlin:
Kaitlin Bick is a survivor of domestic sex trafficking. She is a former substance user who uses both her lived and professional experience to support and advocate for others.
For the past four years, Kaitlin has worked on the frontline with survivors of human trafficking and precariously-housed individuals, ensuring that all their basic needs are being met. She uses her enthusiasm, positivity, and resilience to deliver a message of hope to other survivors and those who are struggling.
Kaitlin facilitates workshops and training to service providers and community members and is dedicated to bringing awareness to domestic human trafficking and ending homelessness.
Topics Discussed:
(0:00) Introductions
(2:02) Shitty boyfriend: Kaitlin describes how she initially thought of her trafficker as her “shitty” boyfriend, and didn't think she was being trafficked. She details how she met him, how she trusted him, how he made her feel, and how the relationship progressed. There is discussion around misconceptions of what trafficking actually is.
(15:54) “Not my dream spot”: After losing her job, Kaitlin’s “boyfriend” swooped in to take care of her. He invited her on a trip to Calgary. While driving to Calgary, they were taken into custody briefly by police, but Kaitlin still thought of him as her boyfriend that was taking care of her. It was after this, that the coercion and manipulation really began.
(22:51) Manipulation and Coercion: Kaitlin describes how her trafficker controlled every aspect of her life, from what she ate, to when she slept, and what she wore. Kaitlin takes us through the pain, trauma, shame, and loneliness that she felt during that time, and how even that was still better than being alone. She details the relationship with her trafficker, including the belief that he loved her, the abuse, and her desire to gain his approval.
(32:51) Choice. Circumstance. Coercion: Kaitlin describes the different reasons that people engage in sex work. She explains the difference between sex work and sex trafficking. Kaitlin talks about how we can support people all along the spectrum of sex work.
(39:10) Getting out and Finding Purpose: Kaitlin shares how she finally escaped, and is finding purpose by preventing this from happening to others. She talks about learning to love herself, knowing her vulnerabilities, and setting an example for others.
(50:30) Kaitlin’s advice: How can we support somebody that we think is being trafficked, and what anybody can learn from her story.
Resources:
For more information about Human Trafficking
Canada Suicide Prevention Service
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