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Human trafficking is a dark, uncomfortable topic that many people prefer not to think about. Unfortunately, a lack of thought directed toward human trafficking doesn't erase its existence; if anything, refusing to take on this issue further perpetuates it by emboldening predators and leaving victims defenseless and trapped. Recent years have seen greater amounts of attention directed toward human trafficking. More laws have been passed to have the human trafficking hotline number posted in various settings. Furthermore, states have approved human trafficking training for individuals working in jobs with a higher likelihood of encountering traffickers or their victims. However, a long road remains ahead before human trafficking is completely rooted out. Survivors of human trafficking continue living with their experiences each day to an extent that most people can't imagine. In Michigan, one of these survivors, Leslie King, was recently pardoned by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

What to know about King's pardoning

Unfortunately, the criminal justice system often unfairly penalizes survivors of human trafficking. For quite some time, certain power players have viewed trafficking victims as willing prostitutes, rather than exploited individuals. In King's case, she faced human trafficking from the age of 15 until 36. During an interview with the media, King explained that her criminal record involving concealed weapons and theft charges all tied back to human traffickers' abuse of her. King explained that if she did not explicitly follow the instructions of human traffickers, she would suffer beatings. However, King's pardon arrived on Thursday, December 22. This is when Whitmer issued a series of pardons. In present day, King works as a board member of the National Survivor Network and advocates for survivors of human trafficking. Along with this, she's founded a Grand Rapids home for survivors of sex trafficking.

Injustice after surviving human trafficking

Many people remain woefully unaware of how the criminal justice system fails survivors even after they've escaped their abusers. Poor criminal records can impact survivors' abilities to get jobs, find housing, and otherwise reintegrate into society. Ending the criminalization of human trafficking survivors remains critical in the fight to end human trafficking. Anyone who wishes to report what they believe to be human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline via phone at 1 (888) 373-7888 or by text at 233733.