Two years ago, my high school classmate, Kait stepped out of the shadows and started to share her experience as a victim of family-controlled trafficking. Last January, one of my childhood best friends, Gretchen, succumbed to her battle with the trauma caused by her own abuse in the same organizations that victimized Kait. 

Mezzo Allies, Inc. is the non-profit that Kait started with her former therapist and friend Laurie. It is dedicated to educating an army of helpers to identify and support victims of family controlled trafficking and ritualized abuse. I like to think that if more people in my community growing up had access to the kinds of resources Mezzo is developing, we might have been able to provide Kait, Gretchen and the rest of the victims of this abuse the support they needed sooner. 

I'm walking 60 miles in the month of July to raise funds for Mezzo's important work. Please consider donating any amount to support this amazing org, and follow my journey on Instagram at @datoth09 to learn more about the org and cheer me on! 

See below for more on Mezzo Allies!

Statistics tells us that 42% of all human trafficking victims report that their trafficking started with a family member or caregiver. 42%!! That’s nearly HALF of all human trafficking survivors…. Except… we not talking about the reality of Family Controlled Human Trafficking NEARLY enough. This lack of awareness around the issue creates an even harder path to safety for victims. 

 Survivors of Family Controlled Human Trafficking are especially stuck in these heinous abuse situations. When a parent or caregiver is a person’s trafficker, there are some very unique complexities of the abuse and specific needs that these survivors have in order to get free. The road to freedom is messy, difficult, fraught with secondary trauma and can feel impossible. 

At Mezzo Allies, Inc. we are changing that through awareness and education, advocating for policy change and direct survivor support. We are creating a safer world for victims to come forward and receive the support and help they need.

Join us in taking Steps For Safety!

**for any donor who would prefer to give via check, please reach out to us at mezzoinc@protonmail.com for more info on how to do that!