By: Deondriea Cantrice

Human trafficking is a silent epidemic, preying on the vulnerable and shattering lives in its wake. For me, this nightmare became a harrowing reality when my daughter, fluent in multiple languages and with dreams of becoming a forensic pathologist, fell victim to a trafficker. What began as a single act of exploitation spiraled into a tragedy that reshaped our lives and tested the limits of my resilience.

But I am not here to dwell solely on the pain of that experience. I am here to turn that pain into purpose, to raise awareness, and to empower others to recognize, intervene, and fight back against trafficking. This is my story, my mission, and my unyielding call to action.

A Mother’s Nightmare

Learning that my daughter was trafficked was devastating, but the pain deepened with the birth of my granddaughter, fathered by her trafficker. My granddaughter was born with a severe brain defect, a stark reminder of the physical and emotional toll trafficking inflicts. While caring for my granddaughter—now a thriving, creative, and curious young girl—I have also walked alongside my daughter as she navigates the long road to healing.

This journey has not been easy. Balancing the needs of a child with complex medical issues and supporting an adult survivor of trafficking has required sacrifices, unwavering love, and a deep well of strength I didn’t know I possessed.

Human Trafficking: A Silent Epidemic

Trafficking is not just a criminal enterprise; it is a human rights crisis. African American women and girls are disproportionately affected, making up 40% of trafficking victims in the United States despite being just 13% of the population. These numbers reflect systemic inequalities, hypersexualization, and the undervaluing of Black lives.

As a society, we often fail to recognize the signs of trafficking. Victims are groomed, controlled, and isolated—hidden in plain sight. This crime thrives on ignorance and apathy, emboldening traffickers while silencing survivors.

Recognizing the Signs

To combat trafficking, we must educate ourselves and our communities. Warning signs include:

Abrupt changes in behavior, isolation, unexplained absences

Possession of multiple hotel keys

Lack of identification

Rehearsed explanations

Signs of physical abuse

Living in overcrowded conditions with unrelated individuals

Recognizing these signs could mean the difference between life and continued exploitation. Awareness is our first line of defense.

Supporting Survivors

Survivors of trafficking face immense challenges in rebuilding their lives. Many require medical care, counseling, legal assistance, and financial support to regain stability. I have witnessed firsthand how vital these resources are. My daughter’s journey has been one of both heartbreak and hope, underscoring the importance of comprehensive survivor-focused programs.

As a mother, I have learned to listen without judgment, provide unwavering support, and give space for healing. These lessons inform my advocacy and my commitment to creating a more supportive world for survivors and their families.

Legislative and Community Action

Fighting trafficking requires systemic change. We need stronger laws to protect victims and hold traffickers accountable. Communities must come together—faith-based organizations, businesses, schools, local groups—to create safe spaces and support networks.

Through my organization, Unmute the Silence, I collaborate with others to raise awareness, train communities, and advocate for systemic solutions. This work is not just about preventing trafficking; it’s about dismantling the structures that enable it.

From Pain to Purpose

At my lowest point, I felt broken and powerless. But a simple message—”Why not you? The time is now.”—this sparked a transformation within me. Today, I am not just a mother who survived a nightmare; I am an advocate, a speaker, and a certified confidence coach. My smile has returned, and my purpose has crystallized: to ensure no other family endures what mine has.

My granddaughter, though born into adversity, is thriving. Her resilience fuels my passion. Through her, I have launched the Kindly Kadence brand, a platform to raise awareness about neurodiversity and to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness.

A Call to Action

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, I urge you to act. Educate yourself, support survivors, and advocate for policies that combat trafficking. Share your knowledge, amplify survivor stories, and challenge the stereotypes that enable this crime.

Trafficking is not insurmountable. Together, we can create a world where every individual lives free from exploitation and fear. Let us stand united in this fight, guided by compassion, determination, and the unwavering belief that every life is worth protecting.

I am Deondriea Cantrice—a mother, an advocate, a survivor in my own right. My family’s story is a testament to resilience, and my mission is clear: to end human trafficking and uplift the lives it seeks to destroy.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Together, we can turn pain into purpose and build a future where trafficking is a thing of the past.

About Deondriea Cantrice

Deondriea Cantrice is a certified confidence coach, transformational speaker, and award-winning author with a passion for advocacy and empowerment. After her daughter fell victim to human trafficking, Deondriea turned her family’s pain into purpose, founding Unmute the Silence—an organization dedicated to raising awareness, providing training, and advocating for systemic change to combat human trafficking.

In addition to her advocacy, Deondriea is a beacon of resilience, balancing the roles of caregiver to her neurodivergent granddaughter and a steadfast supporter of her daughter’s healing journey. Her inspiring story has touched countless lives, empowering others to overcome adversity and find strength in their struggles.

Deondriea has shared her message on national platforms, offering insights, tools, and hope to families and communities impacted by trafficking. Through her work, she has become a powerful voice for systemic change, prevention, and survivor empowerment.

Her unwavering belief in the power of education, awareness, and community action drives her mission to eradicate trafficking and uplift those affected. Deondriea’s commitment to creating a safer, more compassionate world is a testament to the transformative power of love, resilience, and purpose.

Reach Deondriea and find out more about Unmute The Silence at: By Web: https://unmutethesilence.org/

By Email: info@unmutethesilence.org By Phone: 903-990-0398 By Mail: PO Box 1331 Prosper, TX 75078

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Published by: Martin De Juan