Eight years ago, Jessica escaped the nightmare of sexual abuse and trafficking that she'd lived in since she was just six years old. As one of hundreds of thousands of children who are sex trafficked in the United States, Jessica had few visible resources to turn to as she sought escape. Limited help and significant stigma contributed to her protracted nightmare so when she finally got out, she knew she had to help other girls do the same.

Now in her twenties, Jessica is rebuilding her life and supporting girls and women at a Los Angeles based organization that provides resources to survivors of abuse and trafficking. Watch as she shares her story with artist and activist Lydiaemily Archibald, who paints a large mural on a forthcoming community center in LA's infamous Skid Row to capture Jessica's spirit and resilience. In a community where the sexual violence of women and girls has become routine, this piece serves as a beacon of hopen and empowerment.

Music
ORIGINAL MUSIC
Simone Benyacar
Courtesy of Simone Benyacar

"RETROGRADE"

Written and Performed by James Blake
Universal -- PolyGram International Publishing, Inc.
on behalf of Buzzard and Kestrel Ltd. (ASCAP)
Courtesy of Universal Music Group

"F***ING PERFECT"

Written by Alecia Moore, Martin Karl Sandberg, & Johan Karl Schuster
Published by MXM Music, administered by Kobalt music.
Published by EMI Blackwood Music Inc. (ASCAP)
Courtesy of RCA Records, by arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment