Ruby is caught in the online sex trafficking den. The days are gruelling but she is determined to escape.

When Ruby arrives at the house in Pampanga, the lady who first reached out to her is nowhere to be seen.

The next morning, she comes face to face with her ‘boss,’ Nadine. Ruby tells her immediately that she wants to get out.  Nadine explains that Ruby must work to pay back her travel costs. But there’s a catch: she makes this virtually impossible for Ruby to achieve.

Ruby learns the strict rules of the house. The girls are forbidden to leave for any reason. They must work 8 hours a day, performing online shows for multiple customers in remote corners of the world.

Ruby’s one hope is escape. But with no one on the outside knowing where she is, Ruby is trapped.

Only Ruby’s inner strength and determination keep her going. One evening, hearing sirens passing by outside, Ruby makes her first attempt at escape. 


Issues this episode explores:

• The differences between OSEC and ‘traditional’ sex trafficking
• Why OSEC isn’t a crime of poverty  
• Rich visits a perpetrator of OSEC in jail. 

Show website: fightofmy.life

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CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains descriptions of sexual violence. Listener discretion is advised.

Please seek help if you need to.

To speak to a trained crisis supporter at Lifeline (24-hours): 131 114
To report a crime to the Australian Federal Police: 1800 333 000
For emergency assistance: 000

FOR THE PHILIPPINES:
If you have suspicions about the occurrence of online sexual exploitation of children in your community, immediately report to: www.1343actionline.ph

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Finding Ruby is a production of Cadence Productions.

Show written and edited by Nikki Florence Thompson and Rich Thompson. 
Additional production by Lydia Bowden, Anthea Godsmark, and Brendan Ridley. 
Sound design and mix by Rich Thompson and Brendan Ridley. 
Graphic design and social media by Sayaka Miyashita, Carla Moran, and Alyssa Sheridan. 
Director of photography is Brad Conomy. 
Matt Tooker is the executive producer.

Show Music
- "Homeland" by Searching for Light, featuring Jenna Carlie.