Lexie Smith was first trafficked and sold when she was just 11 years old. In the years since she’s escaped, Lexie has worked closely with the Rebecca Bender Initiative to recover from the years of abuse she suffered.
RBI uses innovative technology and an online platform to provide help and hope to survivors of human trafficking. Their program, “Elevate,” is an intensive 16-week online, live course that takes survivors through deeper levels of healing, professional development and leadership skills. After the intensive, survivors receive an entire year of follow-up support and a lifetime of connection and access to workshops—both in person and via webinar.
Lexie is an Elevate graduate.
Her bravery is extraordinary, and her journey is one that will change lives and encourage other survivors that they are not alone. She’s starting by sharing this message, to the men who trafficked her.
“I was only 11 years old when you bought me. I was never allowed to know your name, but you knew mine. I was a little girl whose name you put a price on. Whose summers you stole. Whose life you haunted, and soul you nearly destroyed by your selfishness. And I have something that I want to say to you.