Alyssa Willman
Dr. Johnson
Miami University CJS245
3 February 2023
Survivor Narratives Short Writing It’s important to identify the similarities in survivor stories. Humans can learn a great deal of knowledge regarding trafficking and enslavement just by listening and reading the stories of those who have experienced this tragedy first hand. A similarity that was prevalent amongst these survivors was the form of slavery. According to Bales and Trodd, forced labor, sex-trafficking and child slavery were and are very sought-after (7, 20, 69). Another similarity is the means of the slavery and kidnapping. Bales writes that many trafficked and enslaved individuals were kidnapped (69). Another widespread similarity amongst the stories that Bales states is poverty (56). Specifically, Valdete blames his enslavement on the poverty he grew up in (57). Many of the
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Bales writes that one main cause is spiritual practices. For example, Falun Gong, which was banned in China (19). Bales also writes that a popular cause is debt bondage and contract slavery (41). One of the most horrific reasons for enslavement or trafficking that Bales states is sex trafficking (70). In every story, it's apparent that every survivor story shares both similarities and differences. Although the way they were trafficked and why they were trafficked may be different, they all shared the same feelings, experiences and hurt from their abuse. However, not all were treated the same during their enslavement. Bales states that some were isolated, some beaten, or even sexually assaulted (19, 21, 41). Even with the isolation, beatings, and sexual assault, their stories explain that the work was just as cruel. Bales and Trodd state that many were forced to work long hours with no breaks, little pay, poor work conditions and harassment (20, 43, 69.) In each survivor story, it’s apparent that every aspect of their lives was