The Unseen Wounds

Last night, our class did a prayer-walk through the Pattaya Red Light District and I can’t get this one scene from my mind… a very young girl walking in between a john and her mamason (female pimp). The john was walking very fast, anxiously pulling the girl along. Fear flooded her eyes as she looked to the mamason for a last bit of hope... The mamason pushed the girl’s head forward, discouraging her resistance.

Immediately our class began praying:

• We prayed for the johns who keep the demand for these children so strong. May they seek help for their immoral sexual desires.
• We prayed that one day the people of Pattaya won’t have to rely on children-buying tourists for income, but to use the true gifts of their people to have a healthy economy.
• We prayed that we, the common people, spread awareness of human trafficking. We all have a role in this fight.
• We prayed for the police officers that are part of the polluted system. May they look at those being sold and see their own children, instead of a commodity that fills their pockets.

In order to understand victims of human trafficking, it is vital to study trauma. Trauma creates neurological and physical damage. It is also important to note that children who undergo trauma can have harsher effects since their brains are still underdeveloped.

· Complex-PTSD: the amygdala overdevelops, causing the brain to constantly scan for threats

· Somatoform disorder: where one has physical complaints without a medical cause

· Depression, anxiety, panic disorder, suicidal, Stockholm Syndrome, substance abuse, trauma bonding

· STDs, menstrual pain, vaginal irregularities, need for vaginal/penal/anal-reconstruction

So why don’t victims ask for help? Many here in Pattaya don’t even know they’re victims, since it’s a cultural norm to be sold as a daughter. These girls aren’t taught to dream… they are taught to make money & take care of their family, even if their family has abused or exploited them.

When the john has had his way, he can get on a plane and go home. But it’s never over for the child. Even when the memories fade, the body remembers what the brain forgets.