Trafficking Victims Reclaim Their Stories In Photo Exhibit

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Credit: Courtesy of Shyne San Diego

Above: One of the portraits that will be on display as part of the "Behold Her" exhibit.

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A photo exhibit opening Friday in San Diego not only literally puts a human face to the issue of human trafficking but also shows how former victimization does not define lives.

Aired: January 16, 2020 | Transcript

A photo exhibit opening Friday in San Diego profiles survivors of human trafficking and exploitation.

The exhibit, "Behold Her," which coincides with National Human Trafficking Awareness month, not only literally puts a human face to the issue of human trafficking but also shows how former victimization does not define lives. "Behold Her" features the portraits and writings of eight victims, offering a glimpse into their experiences.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Shyne San Diego

Monique Ana is pictured in this undated photo.

The opening night event for the photo exhibit will be held 6 p.m. Friday at You Belong Here, an event space on El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego. At the event, the women will share their stories of survival. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

The photos and the women's stories will be on display at You Belong Here through Jan. 31.

The nonprofit Shyne San Diego organized the event. Its founder, Cynthia Luvlee, and Monique Ana, a trafficking survivor who’s portrait is part of the exhibit, joined Midday Edition on Thursday to discuss the significance behind the exhibit.