Tampa woman helps at-risk children after escaping human trafficking

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and a local woman who endured unimaginable hardships more than a decade ago is on a mission to help at-risk children.

Stephanie Turner's story is one of survival, courage and transformation.

The backstory: "It's like a living nightmare," said Turner. "I have suffered physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, so it's something I don't wish upon anyone. But, it's also something that's happening right under our noses here in Tampa Bay."

After escaping human trafficking more than 10 years ago, a Tampa woman is dedicating her life to helping children who are at risk of the same fate.

After escaping human trafficking more than 10 years ago, she now dedicates her life to helping children who are at risk of the same fate.

Turner works at the Children's Home Network as a peer mentor, providing educational programs to identify and prevent trafficking risks.

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She shares her story to empower others and teach them how to protect themselves.

"I'm glad that I can be that person for these youth to say, 'okay, I can confide in her, and I can, you know, tell her the truth and what's really been going on. And she's not going to judge me.' So it's the most rewarding thing I think I could ever do in my life," Turner explained.

After escaping human trafficking more than 10 years ago, a Tampa woman is dedicating her life to helping children who are at risk of the same fate.

What they're saying: Kerri Petersen, the clinical director of Therapeutic Foster Care with Children's Home Network, says survivors like Turner play a critical role in combating trafficking, because she connects with children in a way few others can. 

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"She has really been able to connect with these youth because she has that lived experience," said Peterson. "So she understands the challenges that these youth are going through. So she's really able to break down those walls with the youth, and really connect with them and build that rapport with them." 

Big picture view: Through her advocacy, Turner is not only helping children avoid the dangers of trafficking but also empowering them to dream of brighter futures.

The Source: This information came from the reporting of FOX 13's Mark Wilson and Photojournalist Bryan Gray.

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