Jessica's Story

Artist Lydia Emily assisted by Van Arno and Margaret Leahy. This is Jessicas Story. "I am a survivor of sex trafficing. I hope you never lose your sense of wonder." Sponsored and commissioned by Gucci charity Chime for Change, which is a new global campaign to raise funds and awareness for girls' and women's empowerment.
Eight years ago, Jessica escaped the nightmare of sexual abuse and trafficking that she'd lived in since she was just six years old. As one of hundreds of thousands of children who are sex trafficked in the United States, Jessica had few visible resources to turn to as she sought escape. Limited help and significant stigma contributed to her protracted nightmare so when she finally got out, she knew she had to help other girls do the same. Now in her twenties, Jessica is rebuilding her life and supporting girls and women at a Los Angeles based organization that provides resources to survivors of abuse and trafficking. Watch as she shares her story with artist and activist Lydiaemily Archibald, who paints a large mural on a forthcoming community center in LA's infamous Skid Row to capture Jessica's spirit and resilience. In a community where the sexual violence of women and girls has become routine, this piece serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Photo © Ian Robertson-Salt