Episode #27: Breaking the Silence: Elizabeth Quiroz’s Brave Journey as Our First Human Trafficking Survivor

In this powerful episode, we are honored to have Elizabeth Quiroz, our first human trafficking survivor, sharing her story to bring hope and awareness to others.

Elizabeth’s journey began with multiple types of abuse starting at just four years old. Due to the trauma, she sought love, acceptance, and attention from others, she eventually ended up in the foster care system. At 15, she moved in with her alcoholic father. Elizabeth highlights the red flags of human trafficking: not coming home at night, associating with older men, and avoiding eye contact by looking down.

Elizabeth’s vulnerability was exploited by a boyfriend who groomed her and introduced her to drugs, leading her to become a drug mule. She explains that traffickers can be anyone, including women who pose as friends. Her second trafficker, a woman she trusted, further manipulated her. Elizabeth’s addiction to drugs led to repeated incarcerations and being labor trafficked by a drug dealer. Her life took a turn when she became pregnant; she got sober after giving birth, earned her GED in prison, and went into rehab after her release.

Now an author and a social worker with a master’s in social justice and human rights, Elizabeth has written a book titled Purified in the Flame, available on Amazon. She is also the co-founder of Redemption House Bay Area in California. In this episode, Elizabeth explains some of the terms and vocabulary used in the human trafficking world and points out ways the system could improve to prevent more victims, such as implementing background checks and educating foster parents.

We are immensely grateful to Elizabeth for sharing her story with us and shedding light on this critical issue.

Elizabeth's Book Link

Redemption House Bay Area Instagram Link

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