Crime

How to get help: Resources available for trafficking survivors in Kansas, Missouri

After 10 years of being trafficked for sex and in fear of being killed by her trafficker, she escaped when she gained the courage to call a hotline. The 33-year-old survivor is rebuilding her life at Restoration House of Greater Kansas City, a faith-based organization in Harrisonville where she lives with other survivors. She recently received her high school diploma and wants to help other women who experienced being trafficked.
After 10 years of being trafficked for sex and in fear of being killed by her trafficker, she escaped when she gained the courage to call a hotline. The 33-year-old survivor is rebuilding her life at Restoration House of Greater Kansas City, a faith-based organization in Harrisonville where she lives with other survivors. She recently received her high school diploma and wants to help other women who experienced being trafficked. Jill Toyoshiba jtoyoshiba@kcstar.com

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Trying to survive

Sex trafficking in particular leaves victims with specialized needs to address their trauma. And while the extent of the problem is hard to know, service providers in Kansas and Missouri say it’s clear the need for programs far outweighs what’s available.

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If you or someone you know needs help, the National Human Trafficking Hotline can be reached at 1-888-373-7888, or text “help” or “info” to 233733.

▪ Kansas Human Trafficking Advisory Board: ag.ks.gov/public-safety/human-trafficking

▪ Missouri Human Trafficking Task Force: ago.mo.gov/home/human-trafficking/task-force

▪ Missouri Coalition Against Trafficking and Exploitation: 314-441-4100; mocate.org

▪ Restoration House: 816-793-0500; restorationhousekc.org

▪ Veronica’s Voice: 816-483-7101; veronicasvoice.org

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Katie Moore
The Kansas City Star
816-234-4312
Katie Moore was an enterprise and accountability reporter for The Star. She covered justice issues, including policing, prison conditions and the death penalty. She is a University of Kansas graduate and began her career as a reporter in 2015 in her hometown of Topeka, Kansas.
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Trying to survive

Sex trafficking in particular leaves victims with specialized needs to address their trauma. And while the extent of the problem is hard to know, service providers in Kansas and Missouri say it’s clear the need for programs far outweighs what’s available.

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