I was sex trafficked for years. Brothels are hidden in plain sight. | Casandra Diamond | TEDxToronto
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- Опубліковано 11 лют 2020
- Sex trafficking may be happening behind the walls of businesses you pass daily - including the some of the massage parlours and holistic centres in your community. Casandra Diamond shares a harrowing story of her experience inside these modern day brothels: in this raw and honest talk, learn about the systemic issues that enable businesses to operate in plain sight and how you can help to advocate for change. Casandra is the founding director of BridgeNorth, a survivor-led charitable organization that provides programs to assist victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Her work includes investing in public education, awareness, and advocacy at all levels of government including supporting Bill C-36 which is now law as the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
I'm crying, I've been trafficked since I was 5 by a christian relative, you gave me strength to go through with my court case... He's put so much fear into me,
This is really a needed talk, seriously... Thank-you ...
Cara Kizu I hope you get through all the trauma and bad memories xx
ARE YOU SAFE NOW?!
I wish I had been brave enough to do this. Instead I just hated myself for years. Go woman, it’s a different world now and it’s on your side, you can do it.
Cara, I’m with you, you can do this. Stand up against your abuser.
More power to you Cara. You can do this.
Such a familiar story... My life from 14 to 24... I'll be 60 next month... I have been blessed to survive and heal... Mostly. Love and Blessings to all victims 💚💫💚
I’m so sorry that you experienced this. My heart breaks for every victim. What are ways that we can help people in this situation and how to get them out and help them recover after?
I think Ive been given an opportunity to save someone from a simililar fate. if only I knew what to do. as I was taking a online class to identify possible trafficking victims, a face came to mind. she's very shy, absent frequently , and wears long clothes that completly hide her arms and legs regardless of the weather, maybe to hide injuries? she's been in my class for 3 years straight and is in mine this year. I don't have any solid evidence so I haven't called the police yet. I need some guidance, what can I do? I keep telling myself it's probably nothing, after all I live in a rich, safe neighborhood, but I keep losing sleep over it at night, so I just don't know what to do. please, any advice would be appreciated. ( edit) after talking to a mutual friend, she pointed out a few holes in my theory, so I’m fairly certain she’s safe. Thank you everyone for your help though.
Owen Keenan I know you’re probably asking this question to ladymomdragon but I will attempt to answer. Keep in mind that I do not have experience with these situations but this is what came to mind. You can try being her friend and possibly over time she might open up about it. I’m assuming if that is what’s happening she might be standoffish about making friends or even talking about it. So I would suggest being persistent even if she doesn’t seem to respond to being friends just over time continue to try being friendly and hopefully eventually she will open up and then you can go about getting her help. Or possibly contact authorities and they can talk with her. I’m sorry I don’t have experience with this so it’s probably not the greatest advice. I really hope everything turns out to be ok
@@trinity_2724 thanks you so, so much. I'll try to as hard as I can, thank you
Owen Keenan also maybe bring it to your teacher’s attention in private and see what they think and if they can keep an eye on her as well and see what they think. Go with your gut feeling. If you think that it’s probably for a good reason, don’t doubt yourself.
The scary part is that some of them traffickers are sitting right in that room listening to her. They are your neighbors, friends and family members you wouldn't think would do these things. 😑
It"'s called paranoia. You'd better get a psychiatric consultation
Yes, I was thinking the same thing because you never know what is truly what is another person's heart. Sometimes we don't even know our own true hearts until God reveals our true nature to us.🙁🙁😢😢
Which is exactly why I said “f**k thy neighbor” when they were trying to get us to take the vaccine to protect our neighbors
Some of them might have someone locked in the basement too, like Josef Fritzl kinda-thing.
@@DanN-nv7kg But not to the point to be that suspicious. People have lost common sense thanks to paranoid movies and youtube videos and lack of social interactions, especially in western countries where people tends to be isolated from each other
I believe I was almost trafficked in the south of France with my sister. A man approached us, speaking French very friendly like, I told him I didn’t speak French, but he kept following me and talking to me and wouldn’t go away. He then got on his cellphone, called someone and a man appeared across the street, and was walking over to us quickly. I told my sister, RUN and we took off like lightning and I didn’t look back until we reached the hotel and locked our door. Could’ve been nothing, but I had a very bad feeling and trusted it.
Great job following your intuition and noticing your surroundings! Your feelings were most likely right, but I'm very thankful you didn't find out for sure. Sad we always have to look out around us but you most likely kept yourself and your sister safe. Kudos to you! Many blessings to you and your sister!
@@sadeeb7664 thank you, and Blessings to you and yours as well!!❤️
You did the right thing. Thank God
@@b.h.7423 Thank God.
How old were you? What year did this happen?
Props to this woman, this is a real problem that no one wants to talk about.
Wow that is some name you got. Biggest word I've ever seen.
animals will often eat their young.
The number 1 killer of bear cubs is ... Boar Bears.
I've seen the heads of 4 kittens chewed off by a tom cat.
Alpha Male/Female Coyotes, the breeding pair, will kill their own 2 yr old young that don't move on when the next litter comes.
"this is a fake problem that everyone is forced to trust and talk about."
Laila Micklewait has taken them on ..
She’s amazing for even being able to get on stage after everything. She’s incredible.
You go through things you think you can’t and what? You’ll die? No you’ll live. You’re not really brave, you don’t really have a choice, but to move on when you go through something unimaginable.
She truly is
@Zachariah Cornwall not everyone shares their story. Let alone gets on stage in front of dozens of people
Thank. You. And. Don't. Stop. Talking. About this. Situation. It's. Important Please. Don't. Stop. Talking. And. God. Bless. You
@Zachariah Cornwall She is brave. Telling a lot of people about your pains and traumas. Pushing aside the negative thoughts that can throw away her act to say what she's gone thrpugh. It is a brave thing to do.
the fact that she was able to stay so composed even while talking about such hugely traumatic events is unbelievable to me. this woman is so strong. thank you for sharing your message, ms. diamond.
Yes, she knows it is not her shame, true healing has happened in her soul. 🥰
The professionals and officials she talked to going to the brothels. Judges, police chiefs, principals, doctors you name it.
This is exactly what I was thinking. Unfortunately I feel like this is a lost cause because everyone we would need to appeal to for this are the people GOING TO THE BROTHELS.
Everybody
WHOA!?!?
If I were one of those women, time to find a GUN and start using it. Not fair at all...Safer sitting in jail.
it’s a huge problem with american military men but people don’t wanna talk ab it
Wow! Her story taught me that *licensed* and *legal* don't always equate to *lawful.*
It's called a legal loophole. If it was explicitly sanctioned with heavy regulations it would likely be a different story.
This Is WHY her story is so important. It Happens in every country. She is speaking of Canada, but it happens in USA also, in many towns and cities. We need to Educate everyone on how widespread this is.
It happens more when it's illegal.
How anyone could think she was a foolish girl making poor choices does not understand what manipulation is.
They are two worlds entirely.
WTF is wrong with some of these commenters? This really has me disappointed with humanity. High praise to this lady for sharing her traumatic story, for having the strength to do that, for having the strength to escape, and for helping others.
artman2oo3 she is not helping us by trying to change the law so that the people that actually like there job are not aloud to do it this lady took the pay check every week and then blames everything else for the job she chose to do. And now wants to change the law so the government gets to decide what we do with our body’s what happened to liberty
Cheers Calvin 👍
jodyqt you really don’t understand how psychologically trapped a mind can be when manipulated. She didn’t just decide at 18 that this will be her career choice. 5:36 pretty clear here
She is not helping others she is trying to get the government to control women and their occupations
Leona b. please explain how to trap someone’s mind? I think the mind is free and can make whatever decision it wants to maybe just maybe she was hypnotised for 10 years. Other then that I think she has to take responsibility for her own life choices
As a teacher, I never give out tasks such as "write about what you did this summer" for precisely this reason.
That's an incredibly twisted response to this video.
@@wagoodwin3 Not sure what you mean? I was merely pointing out that giving pupils tasks that is likely to feel embarassing or shameful to them on account of their situation is something teachers should avoid. Not sure what's so twisted about that...
I respect you for that one of my teachers had us write about what we did that summer and read it to the class. Some of the less privileged kids, I could tell were embarrassed and sad about what they were hearing others say and all they had done was play outside or work I hated that teacher she also told us cults weren’t real
Do you ever intervene when you suspect something is wrong? Some many are left alone as children and cannot put into words what is happening to them
I like that. I grew up on a farm and my summers were spent in the garden. While the others in town were on summer vacations, at pools, taking tennis lessons, golf lessons, going to various camps, going to retreats, having sleepovers, and slumber parties and I was picking beans and cleaning the chicken coop and feeding pigs rotted food from a grocery store. My dad drank a lot and I'd have to make him his drinks when he got home or get kicked, so I did appreciate the teachers that didn't need to know what we did (and have us read it out loud).
The "dislikes" show exactly what she is discussing....customers (johns) are fine with this industry and clearly disliked her shedding light on this epidemic issue across the world...not just in Canada.
But great things are happening in Canada..mindgeek are being held to task.. hurrah!
You are right. Trafficking is the second largest global crisis.
It is bizarre that people should put the thumbs down on this video...indeed. They must be using all this, as you said...
There are dislikes (I disliked the video) not because people do not sympathize with this woman--but that MANY (some think a majority) people believe prostitution should be legal. This is not just about (as she says) the right of a man to buy a woman--but the rights of a woman to do as she pleases with her body. I've been to Toronto, and have been to body rub parlors there. It is 100x safer for the workers and customers than anything in the US. Almost ALL are managed by women. I'm not saying women are not victimized, but these businesses serve a valuable purpose in communities--and have since the dawn of time.
@@peteanddrake4242 you're comment makes my stomach sick at the ignorance you have and being dillusional in buying women doesn't traumatize them regardless of the location. there is no SAFE place to buy human beings.
Her voice while talking about this, while emotional, sounds so empty. Just another way to tell she's trying to block herself from feeling the traumas she's describing.
I think she natually blocked thoes feelings
@dfctomm Buzz off, Troll!
She sounds fine to me. Almost like she is telling someone else's story.
@dfctomm I don't know who pissed on your corn flakes, bub. But you are out of touch with reality, projecting a misplaced anger, and it ain't got nothing to do with my comment or the original comment by Katie Kilgore. I hope you pause, occasionally, for self-reflection. Good luck with all that.
This is a typical effect of suffering abuse. Its related to disassociation and is a healthy reaction to an unhealthy experience.
“It was my soul that hurt... for which there was no hospital”
😞😢
Ayahuasca
That killed me
Jesus will take our pain and make us new...help us through. He took all of mine in an instant and I received the Spirit like fire and was reborn and haven't been the same since. He has told me he will never leave or forsake me and reminds me often.
It’s amazing how Jesus can actually totally heal the soul. It’s extraordinary. Her soul was bleeding 🩸 it got me thinking, ...why don’t we create Soul Hospitals? How would a Soul Hospital treat them to recover within days instead of months? 🤔 I really like that term...Soul Hospital. I am building a non-profit organization so children and their family can learn to fulfill their dreams and become leaders who also guide others to become leaders. Im thinking 🤔 I can add this as a part of an outreach. I would need to equip the right people first for at least 3 to 6 months with different seminars and books before they are called Soul Nurses. I think, I will need to start by finding what seminars are there. I can even save for a SUV “Soul Ambulance 🚑 “ I also would need to build studios so they can stay there to recover. It’s a challenge because I have to save big time and it will take time, but many times we are willing to do more for others than for ourselves. Just the thought 💭 of all this, ... it’s exciting. 😍 I pray God gives me a long life to make it happen. I totally love this idea 💡. Little by little, we can accomplish a lot.
I was once a bouncer for an "escort" service -- hidden in plain sight. My job was to escort the girls to their 'tricks', and serve as a 'guard'. Talking about an eye-opener. Law enforcement knew where we were and they protected us. I could go on and on. Let's just say that I am happy that this lady made it out alive. Bless her. Everything she is saying is the hard truth.
How can we pick up signs of these businesses that are hidden in plain sight?
Maybe you can tell us something more, even so that other girls can draw conclusions from such stories?
Zero value of people when we allow them to be bought.
Oh my dear. I was that kid, too. I'm 60 years old now, and I got away from those people, changed my own life, and raised my children with love and structure. I changed my life, and theirs. We can do it, it just takes strength and God.
I'm sorry that happened to you and I'm glad you are in a better place in your life.
My favorite two words in the Bible…But God…..🙏🏼❤️✝️
Yeah,...but did you have a good time?
And repentance
@@janedoe3648 amen!
The problem is not just in Canada, its the entire world. Her message must be told everywhere. My heart goes out to her and every girl involved.
Its global .and Trump is bringing down this cabal..and the dems hate him for it
Boys are trafficked as well 😞
To any innocent being is a tragedy
Nobody deserves this and i am so sorry that this happened to you!
I'm not a woman but I understand her completely. My father left when I was born and from there I was passed around from "guardian" to another and another. A fair sum of these "guardians" exploited me and took every shred of self love I could ever have. How sad that our story is nothing unique.. it's happening right now as I type this to thousands if not millions of others. When the light in the eyes of a child goes out, it's a tragedy.
You are better than them. God in Heaven is your father.
Please, ask for help. Thank you very much for sharing your story. You are priceless, remember it. You deserve to be fully safe, recovered and loved. I do mean it.
May the Lord comfort & heal your heart. Please, listen to Stephanie Fast, & how God saved her! Also, watch many other testimonies of God saving others that you may be revived !🪻
So sorry. Hug.
❤❤
When she said "if you're listening to this you might be thinking 'how foolish is this girl?' " I just broke. No one in their right mind is thinking you're foolish. I understand how blame and guilt can make one assume others would judge them negatively in this circumstance. You were innocent, not at all foolish. Thank you for holding up this mirror, I wish you so much healing and freedom.
How anyone could think she was a foolish girl making poor choices does not understand what manipulation is.
Most likely they are the ones manipulating i would say.
Sounds like it was both.
They don’t understand the vulnerability of children and how people are indoctrinated into a lifestyle. Listen to her voice change when she is speaking about changing the laws. She starts off with a vulnerable voice and at the end she is powerful in her value of herself. Peace.
@@missbug3681 " she is powerful in her value of herself" - Sure. She does value herself - at our expense.
Perhaps educating us on what it is might help you.
The 400+ people who disliked the video and posted “sHe’S LyiNG” comments probably use these services.
or insidious invisible origins, including trolls
You know it's True
@@CarlaVanWalsum8 Stretching 🤔
@@mrsfoster1701 YES it's a thankyou for being BRAVE and helping others heal & recover
@@mrsfoster1701 great reply
I am from India, I was in LA for my sister's graduation. Later on for a couple of days I was sight seeing and doing all touristy things all by myself ( my sister had a new job).
A couple of times, strange men approached me, asking me out or giving me an invite for a late night party etc.
It was scary. Why would one approach someone whom they don't even know?
Being from India, I have this in built radar, I must say, to keep away from strangers.
But, so many young, vulnerable, lonely girls can fall prey to such seemingly harmless invitations with sinister motives.
I think girls, like in India, must be taught to not trust strangers. If you date, know the guy, know his family, occupation and then think of dating. Don't trust anyone.
I agree , as an Indian women.
India is really savage for violence against women. really bad. stay safe 🙏🏽
Just wondering, how do ppl in India normally meet others to date if you don’t ever speak to strangers? Genuinely just wanna know
@@TheKutie36 I would guess family introductions
@@TheKutie36Speak only people you know. People do have social circles, go to school and meet friends, attend events with family and meet family friends.
Trafficking exists as there is the demand. Boys need to be educated that going to these places is wrong. They need to learn empathy.
And about consent
And that if you don't really have another choice, that it means "consent" doesn't count as consent.
(I mean they already know it from the idea of "under duress" not counting as consent in things involving people being threatened or coerced at gunpoint, so it shouldn't even be that hard)
(But maybe with the empathy of putting themself in such a trapped position, they would just understand consent better without having to be taught..)
Probably these boys were often beaten up by drunken fathers and drug addict mum...they were also victims of manipulation.
Good insight about the need for boys to learn empathy... by example works well.
I was in law school in the US and a male classmate of mine bragged one day about he often goes to these places to get happy endings as if it was no big deal. Another friend stated that the women are most likely trafficking victims and he didn’t care. He had zero empathy.
good luck with that ...
This has to be one of the bravest individuals I have ever seen.
Yeah? How about David Dorn?
This has to be one of the most manipulative and deceitful individuals I have ever seen.
@@postoronniy007 lol what would she gain from lying?
@@postoronniy007 and here we have someone who probably has something to gain by exploiting woman - how obvious can you get?
people who have no empathy are not even worth responding to - they are never going to change
When your innocence was taken away at such a young age you never had a chance. I applaud you for speaking up, educating and offering support 💕
And never will ;(
But I bet she's a freak in the sack now tho, right?
She held so much pain in her voice while telling her story, I’m glad that she was able to survive and tell her story. Along with getting the help
I was her! The only thing that saved me was joining the military at 18 and not looking back! I saved my own life and she did too.
You think men in power don't know, they use these services and do not care.
Is it a human need though? Should it simply be better regulated?
The men in power are running them or at the very least being paid to turn a blind eye.
most people in power are men
@Harzburgitic Can you provide one example where women hold the majority of power? Because, no offense, but your comment offers zero actual information.
The Tillman Review you day fact. I've never seen those statistics. Please prove this "fact"
When she said "getting out is one thing, staying out is just as hard" its relatable to everyone . She is so brave for having the courage to get out of there and she isn't foolish , that's what manipulation does .
Yes.. sure ..
"manipulation"? Once she's out, who's manipulating her?
@@BruceD1776 it’s like a drug. Hard to quit, harder to stay off. Especially when introduced at a young age
@@dongysakura418 why is that? Genuinely curious and relatively uneducated about this topic?
@@Misscutieful1 its like how if someone has abusive parents, they will probably be attract partners like that, because that's all they learn or feel like they deserve (and other reasons). Also more difficult with power dynamics and grooming. Children are impressionable.
The fact that the police officers didn't offer her any help during the police raids is shocking! 😳😳
She is all about changing the lack of effort offered to her and others.
Are you serious? Police officers are often involved as is the government
Policemen are usually the ones who are involved
They (police) simply get their.. benefits from that. Or are poorly educated. Or both.
At least, in my country it is exactly so.
Not really. They're in on it too.
Listening to and dealing with the trafficked "victims" as a volunteer, I notice the need for all of us and parents to learn to say "No" from a very early age. The society like pleasers and encourage us, especially girls and women to be ones. We don't need to please others. We need to have good and strong self-esteem. It involves more no's than yes's.
“ I didn’t feel wanted or valued for anything other than my body.” I felt this in my soul.
That's pretty much just what it's like to be a woman.
Not to seem unsympathetic but most women have felt like this in their youth.
@@drmom5 exactly. really think about that
So you were valued, but oh now you have to be valued the way YOU want? Or have to be wanted how YOU want someone to want you? How about take what you can get and be lucky you're allowed to vote, work, and speak in public.
@@erichvonmanstein6876 and the same to you. never take your rights for granted.
This one should be told on a massive stage in TEDx
AMEN to that!🙏
It should at least get massive online views. It's difficult to relive your trauma in front of swaths of strangers.
Why she is trying to take away peoples freedom to choose what they do with there own body and there occupation what about women that like this job should they not have the freedom to sell there time for money
@@jodyqt I'm sure some women do want to. However, she's saying to HELP the women who are TRAPPED. She even specifically said she deceived herself by saying it was her choice.
@@jodyqt She's talking about persons who have been manipulated, maneuvered, as well as mentally, emotionally and physically forced into what appears to be a no way out situation.
If you choose the lifestyle for yourself as well as willing to suffer the consequence of your choice and actions, it's your choice.
She is bringing voice to those who believe they do not have one.
It always surprises me how names are not named. Those predators need thier faces, names and what happened to them, if anything, posted on social media. Sick men
They all have very important people protecting them.
Yes they do but, if names are named, then these woman would not be standing telling their stories right now. These organizations are very dangerous and they have tentacles everywhere ready to kill someone in a heartbeat if need be.
Even then, if she gives them names, it takes away from her story.. it gives power back to them
i GET ANNOYED by this how the news doesnt post pictures of the traffickers faces ,,,, like after what theve done these pimps dont deserve privacy rights
@@melisaerogul5948 Why the news doesn't post "traffickers'' faces? Because it's all fake news.
Back in 1985, my friend and I traveled with her dad to St. Louis. We were from a small community so it was fun to go to the downtown mall. I remember we passed a man sitting on a bench, surrounded by women. We entered a store right in front of these people. He sent one of his women in to entice me to go out of the store to speak to the man. I remember her saying that the man "will treat you really nice." I was 16 and luckily, my home life was safe and loving. I remember I continually told her no, until she left me alone.
I watched a documentary once during my training. It was called darkness to light any way the predator was doing time and they interviewed him. He said all he had to do was to see a beautiful girl and tell her to come here. If she came over to him, he knew he had her. If she refused and dismissed him, he knew, she was not worth pursuing. You are right when you mentioned having a loving home
This why you have to talk to your children at an appropriate age about the dangers of those who would like exploit them besides just sheltering them from the world.
Exactly
I wonder how many sitting in the audience frequent those same parlors...
Interesting to see no comments on this
My thoughts exactly
Or how many work in them
very few?
That was my thought too.
You could hear the tremendous stress in her I could feel it . She made me cry.
So beutefull
I can relate to you I was sexualy assaulted a sever one, I turned to drugs and blocked it all out and forgot about it all for 16 years and after 20 years my perpetrator was sentenced to 8 years, I have had bi polar for 20 years, I don't seem to fit in anywhere, anyway stay strong and keep on trucking x
A lot of people with these disorders have it through trauma. Your very brave.
I hope you’re doing better now
im so sorry this happened to you. i hope your perpetrator's being sentenced gave you some sense of closure and that you have found successful treatment for your disorder.
8 years does not equate to the amount of time he shouldve gotten. rapists and molesters ruin innocence. they deserve their childhood and their happiness be taken away.
The real issue, that no one wants to face is the men using these services. They know these women aren't there by choice, many drug effected, others overseas workers. These vile 'customers' are not held accountable. It's time they were.
The real issue is deeper than just saying it’s the men. Yes, the patrons should be punished, but like she said, it is a societal issue. Beyond the forced human trafficking and woman sold into the trade, there are also plenty of sugar baby’s/escorts who willingly continue to provide services and contribute to the system that creates stories like Cassandra’s. All parties need to be held accountable, and society as a whole must change. It starts with the family unit.
ATL 1 No patrons, no business. The men are to blame.
John Deegan I’d like to believe we’re evolving to a more intelligent society. Just because it’s “always been that way” does not make it right. Maybe that’s where all sin stems from?
Fun fact: Metal cutting lasers dont require a permit.
ATL 1 the men are the owners....
The hardest thing for a young girl is when no one will believe her or protect her. When the system is broken. And when she loses her self worth due to abuse.
She looses her belief in herself but not her worth. It was never her idea to get into that situation.
The right people will. If she reaches out to God within herself, she’ll find help.
You do not use your worth. Worth is about someone being an innocent person or not
No one can take that from her as long as she does not decide
Others can not take your value away as long as you do not give up your soul
The so called 'men' who commit these crimes need to be outed and brought to justice in a court run by the public.
People it's not just men that kidnap children women do it too.
WELL THANKS TO DEMOCRATS SOFT ON CRIME POLICIES....WEAKENING THE POLICE...AND SLAP ON WRIST LIBERAL D.A.'S IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE ! ! .....NOT TO MENTION OPEN BORDERS WERE THE CARTELS SHIP GIRLS ACROSS.... DAILY ! !
Pictures and names of convicted johns and pimps, jailtime
@@janetbyler3576exactly.
Our neighbours, college students, lawyers, doctors, engineers...they are them. Even the police are involved themselves these men and pimps protect each other, they'll never stop commodifying women's bodies.
She is so inspiring!!! Praying for her continued strength, healing, and peace! 🙏🏾❤️
I am currently using this for a report I am doing for a school project, and I just wanted to say thank you for being brave and sharing your story. I have watched this video multiple times, but not for research, but for that fact that your message made me feel something, and want to make a change.
So beutefull
awesome Jaci, how did the report went ?
I think you're getting off to this.
When she talked about her soul hurting and sleeping for three days straight, I felt that.x
Been there, done that. It’s HORRIBLE the mental pain.
@@rosyrose4620 But was it voluntary or coerced? If it was coerced, go to the police.
She is talking rubbish. There is no soul! You and me and her are no different from the chicken carcasses in the bin. Her tale is make believe.
@@JohnSmith-le5oe what💀
So beutefull
If you're watching this in 2021, I love you and you're not alone. ❤️
She is so brave. This should *not* be allowed to happen.
No one forced her.
@@BruceD1776 she was vulnerable and exploited. Did you not listen to her story??
Such a tough subject. Being captive isn't about someone holding a gun to your head. It's about mindset and not realizing there are other options because no one has opened your mind to them. Given her background growing up, she was vulnerable and didn't know her worth. She also didn't have anyone reaching out to show her healthy possibilities. So, she was used until she found help. Not believing her or blaming her feels like blaming the person who is depressed for not just "snapping" out of it.
A great analogy. The depression thing. People don't know the things that no one teaches them. People can't heal themselves or make decisions when they don't even know how because no one taught them how.
@Natalie Torkhova You are right.
@Alex Mack Yup.
A tough subject indeed. Nonetheless, blaming it all on the perpetrators is a double edged weapon. As long as this society will run on money and power, men (and women) that exploit young people will just keep doing this. Without awareness there's so salvation. People must be taught how to defend themselves from this situations and must understand that without their collaboration those people have no power in a civilized nation. She let circumstances get grip on her until she was powerless to change her own fate any longer. She's a victim for sure, but she had a role in her own demise and we need to realize this so that in the future nobody will end up like her...
@Alex Mack There are studies about animals beaten by circus owners. Guess what. After a while, they don't need strong restraints to stay exactly where they are. So, the captivity that started as physical morphed into a mental one.
Unfortunately human trafficking is incredibly common, many victims are hidden in plain sight.
Beyond imagining. Way worse then most people who are slightly aware realize.
In your town.
wow thanks for typing out the title for us
My neighbor is really suspicious. His gf has a daughter around 7 and the girl never raises her head or speaks when we run into each other in the front yard. This is only when she’s next to the dude. She waves and greets us on other days. It just erks me so much but I don’t know what to do. It’s not enough to do anything but it just breaks my heart to think something might be going on!
@@s.a.8548 start investigating or get the police involved. You need alot of evidence
Thank you Casandra. i know this was 3 years ago, but thank you. Sharing a story like this is very hard and you are so incredibly strong. You are helping people even by educating us.
It is horrible the kinds of things that are going on, and how little attention sometimes seems to be paid. Human trafficking is a horrible thing that we need to stop.
It's a multi billion £€$ business and the trafficked mean nothing to the traffickers because of this.
This much money can close mouths and eyes.
Horrendous
This is so sickening for me to hear. I am a massage therapist and I often get calls from men who want a sensuous massage. I know it exists here in San Antonio and how they get away with it is truly sad.
In Washington State if you even hint at such “services” the therapists are required to report you to the authorities. Considering how terrible the trafficking situation was/is there, it’s clear that not all of them report.
Start a new trend....a site where men who call for that their number is posted or name..start a site.
What is wrong with Men?!!!!!!!!
That is so sad! Nothing is more wonderful than springing for a massage. I go to actual licensed therapists or spas where clearly (I hope at least) none of this craziness is happening.
I'm so sorry that you have to deal with that. Here you are wanting to help people heal, and weirdos take advantage of that.
Brave woman. Such a crying shame that instead of being able to be young, carefree and enjoying life, some people are denied their childhoods or have it stolen from them.
Yup 💯🙏👁
Not just women, boys too
I work close to a corner where girls are made to stand all day every day. After a while you recognise the different girls and their rotation patterns. I would say hi and smile walking past, but quickly felt like I needed to do more. I started asking friends and family on how best to help but nobody knew how. The thing I was worried about was not getting them in more trouble than they already were.
One day, it was freezing cold that it hurt to spend any time outside at all. I walked past the corner and, as always, one of the girls was there. She looked miserable and I could see the despair in her eyes as she looked up at me as I said hi to her.
That same day I got the courage to call the police and explained the situation. They thanked me for the info and that was that.
It's been a year now that I've been working in that area. I have contacted police a couple times, but it's still the same 4 girls working that corner on rotation. The police never did anything to help them...
If the police won't help you, try the nearest news station or local newspaper.
Maybe it's their choice to be there.
@@BruceD1776 it's not, at least not initially. If you asked them now they might agree because they're high as a kite on God knows what and that's what's stopping them from running, but none of those girls look like they're there by choice. Their pimps are very hands-on, let's just leave it at that...
I have to praise police for having common sense and blame you for stupidity.
@@acmulhern If prostitution was legalized, the pimps could be reported to the police and the girls could set up in their own places if they wanted. Also, if the drugs were legalized, they could be obtained at a pharmacy without reliance upon a pimp.
Wow what a powerful woman. I'm gonna look into my local massage parlours and see what's going on.
Casandra, congratulations for being such a strong woman. I've only become really aware of trafficking over the past few years, and have a whole new value and appreciation for the women who survive it. You are amazing.
I wish this video had more views, people need to know that human slavery still exists today.
Help fight against Human Trafficking today by texting "Missing101" to 31996 now.
It’s not trafficking if she chose to do the job and got paid for it
jodyqt better say nothing than insult one on the topic you clearly don’t understand, making full of yourself in a process
Casandra you are a WARRIOR!!! Thank you for being so brave and sharing your story and helping other victims.
iolanis Journey she got nailed by hundreds of men for money. If that’s your idea of a worrier you need to find some better ones
@@jodyqt are you a man or a woman?
kyungsoo's egg what difference dose my gender make to my point?
@@jodyqt curiosity. If you are a man, I wouldn't be surprised if you said this, but, if you are a woman, then I would be surprised. A woman should support with all of her another woman no matter what. That's why.
kyungsoo's egg I think my name should tell you my gender and if you have an argument against my point rather then my gender I would be interested but just trying to put my in one of two categories in your mind seems like your not a deep thinker
Bravo, girl. May He grant you the peace that transcends all understanding, and success in your life and mission.
So beutefull
Amen
My sister was trafficked by her husband- he got her addicted to crack and used that to control her. So sad.
I was trafficked for four months and yes I felt at times like I had a choice to leave, but you’re right. I stayed out of fear.
I think I've identified a classmate of mine that might be a victim of human trafficking, but the signs are very subtle, nothing close to solid evidence. what can I do to help her from your experience
@@Spiceodog Make a police report
@@Spiceodog great question
@@Spiceodog Did you just talk with her?
@@iniutek9492 no since she no longer goes to my school but I talked to a mutual friend who knows her better than I do and told her what i thought and she pointed out a bunch of holes in my idea that I didn’t think of
She is brave and extremly well spoken. I'm speachless
*speechless
@A X did I ask?
*speechless
She is an extremly well spoken fraudster.
@@Icon_of_Design what’s your point Karen?
Thank you, strong woman. Keep speaking truth & spreading awareness.🙌🙌🙌🙌💖✨💪
Only thing strong on a good woman is her jawbone muscle.
Thank you Casandra for being willing to relive the trauma each time you tell your story to make others aware of what is legally taking place right under our noses. You are an amazing individual and I truly hope that you are getting any professional mental health help you need in order to recover as much as possible from the neglect and abuse of all kinds that you endured for so many years.
My mom & I went on a 10 day cruise to the Panama Canal over Thanksgiving 2019. One of the stops was Cartagena , Colombia. While a van was taking me (from mid-west USA), and several other gals from Florida on a 2.5 hour tour, I saw two groups of ~ 30 young women ages ~ 15 - 25 being paraded through a mixed zone of apartments / & small businesses. They were all "dolled up," & looked proud to be "in the parade" - but, upon seeing the 1st group, I was pretty sure what was "going on." When 5 minutes later, I saw a 2nd similar group of young ladies being paraded through a poor area of Cartagena - I was sure that the young women were being subjected to human trafficking. I thought about the poverty and barrios that were nearby. I told the other women riding in the van, what I suspected upon seeing the 1st group of young women. Nobody believed me. But, upon seeing the 2nd group within 5 minutes... everyone knew; & we all fell silent. Human Trafficking OFTEN OCCURS right out in the open -- just as Casandra has attested. My son & his girlfriend witnessed it, at a dance club at midnight, in a popular U.S. city a couple of months ago. They said the "bouncers" and "managers" were signaling to each other, about "who in attendance" they could "trust to keep their secret"...... When my son realized what kind of place they were in, they "got out of there" - ASAP.... horrifying -- & I pray that we can save girls, young ladies, & grown women from this horrifically under-valued, & in-humane existence. Casandra: you are a hero, & your advocacies make a huge difference.....
colombia*
@Love One another Great tip -- thank you so much for taking the time to share it..! We need to take better care of each other - ( there are times I feel that humans have not evolved to the higher levels that we think we have -- )
@@alexandra9388 thank you for catching that "u" that snuck in there Alexandra...!
@Midnight Mystery My son & his GF know this "tropical resort-y US location" well; her parents have a 2nd home there; your comment is the 1st thing I said to him- when he described the awful situation to me. He sadly answered; his GF & her parents are quite aware that the local police "are in on it."
I know this tropical destination well- & immediately I knew in my heart of hearts that he was correct. It is SO HARD to notify local law enforcement, when that entity is part of the bold-faced lying & corruption. Certain social services, & law agencies you can tell-- & sadly; too many of the managers & staff receive "silence invoking" fringe benefits. Sadly, it seems we need to rely more on organizations like Love One Another mentions above: former CIA Agent Timothy Ballard's Operation Underground Railroad....
How is Colombia in parity with Canada aside from both beginning with the same consonant
It's so brave for Ms Diamond to go back over her experiences, in order to bring this to light. How on earth have 1000 people disliked this?!
1000 people are perverts.
Users !!!!!
Thank GOD for my MOM and DAD.
Thank you for having the courage to share your story, to let others know what really does happen. And to help others in this situations.
THANK YOU FOR BEING SO STRONG AS TO TELL UR STORY AND MAKING OTHERS AWARE.
Nancy Davieau she was just a lost kid. U of course r a model human from a model background
Nancy Davieau people handle and react to things differently.
Nancy, you have no compassion for her situation because you've never experienced being used!
If you have experienced it, then there's no excuse for criticizing. Really gentle, loving kids are manipulated more easily and so it is a type of brainwashing. They are afraid to leave the only security they've ever known!
very awesome,can i know you more i like you name...
" there really are More victims out there than you think there are.."
You would know.
It pains me to know this is still happening in this world and I'm sorry you had to go through this. Thank you for gathering the strength and courage to speak and pursue justice and help others.
Cassandra, thank you for being so brave and sharing your story! Your story WILL help others...I am so sorry you had to go through this.
That is horrific. I am so ashamed that we, as a society, allow these abusers to remain alive.
Fun faxt: Metal cutting lasers dont require permit.
Thank a liberal.
Omg
Burn all Masonic temples!
They sacrifice and exploit kids
@@chrisgeorgallis7746 Cite your sources. 4chan and Info Wars don't count.
... to Flourish.
Forgive the world Lord for their "it's not happening to me so I don't care" mentality!
God bless this woman with an ever growing strength and peace as she continues in the fight for those still victimized.
And just where was this god you praise when she needed him? It's all in your head.
@@slowdancer5563 it's called the long game of life ... Look at her now.
God didn’t save her when she was mentally and physically abused. Maybe because he doesn’t exist
@@laramatthews2082 she isnt successful. look at her now! she is just trying to help prevent what your dog allows if its real. you should be ashamed. look at her now! i hope this doesnt happen to your children so you can look at them when they grow up and think "look at them now". pitiful.
straight to the point , well put and fully agree .
This actually feels very close to home. I grew up in Scarborough and was approached by a man who claimed to be a professional photographer looking for models while I was volunteering in a daycare centre at the age of 14. I was working on the second floor of a building, I don't even know how he found me just from the street. It's super scary thinking back to that. I usually biked to work, anything could've happened if he chose to pursue me after I declined. I'm very lucky.
We NEED a public inquiry into all the corruption that threatens us.
Thank you for your bravery. I thwarted a potential kidnapping at 17 by two guys in a car with no license plate. At 43, I often believe that my life would have been similar. GOD blessed you with a voice and you are blessing others with your story. Keep fighting!!
Chanel Hutchinson What happened? What did you do to avoid that happening to you?
A strange man tried to get my sister and I (very young we were) to go to his motel room on a beach vacation. I don't remember how we got away. Probably parents walked up. It's so scary to think of what might have been!
@@moocrazytn It is such a scary world we live in. Glad you and your sister were able to avoid that man's horrible intentions.
Trauma is the gateway to drugs - Russell Brand
john johnson pretty sure he is sober unless he recently had a relapse. He often publicly talks about it.
Smartest thing the man ever said.
Traumas the gateway to drug abuse. Boredom is the gateway to drugs 😂
john johnson, it’s not “tramaztizing” that’s a little dramatic, mmm?
He’s sober & he’s evolved from his varied life experiences. Which is what we all should do-seek to evolve. (& get over our own ego trip/judgement of other people’s stories) He’s actually is quite wise & well spoken about life.
If you desire to open up & learn.
Didn't they teach us it was weed that was the gateway? Growing up. Anyone else remember that? Now that isn't scientifically backed anymore. Totally debunked and people STILL believe it.
So sad. Thank you for sharing your story. May your healing be effective and you live a fulfilling life.
When she said she wanted to be part of the solution to stop this, NO ONE CLAPPED! I was screaming at the screen!
TED Talks are no more than 20 minutes long. This is a universal rule, no matter how famous you are. This means that clapping can shorten your time. Therefore, the audience is ASKED not to clap until the end. Casandra knew this when she signed up and prepared for her talk.
God bless you Cassandra for founding BridgeNorth and for
having the courage to tell your story.
She's brave for talking about this business and or talking about her personal experience.
I was blamed for him for speaking about my personal experience in class but since they’re player and she was jealous of him talking with me I had nothing to do with him besides it whole time I was looking for help to run away cus I knew this man was easy targeted and they all let him get away with it as usual I did nothing at all so all I was doing just running from a creep touching me behind my back that’s all. Couldn’t see what was happening then I was so secretly inside of trust that easily towards my instincts being betrayal a hundred times ongoing into their faces .
Thia is a story of bravery and courage. She is so incredible to bring such a dark subject to the light and forefront. I hope that one day more survivors come forward and share their stories. And people of communities expose the creeps and brothels.
Anyone who disliked this sad story has no compassion. Shame on you.
"Anyone who disliked this sad story has no compassion. Shame on you."
Anyone who disliked this sad story has common sense. Shame on you.
Truly one of the most beautiful and truthful people I’ve ever heard speak. Thank you and hope you dance in joy for telling the truth. Blessings all ways.💫
also are native woman are entangled in this underworld!!! Many end up missing and dead!! Please dont forget them either!!?
@S. B. I am 100% mohawk. and nice to meet u my sister. I am sooo sorry to hear that. Me and many more people think so much of your courage. and know this is a problem that still is not going away!!! Something has to be done!!!!!! We are all in this togather. Although we all had not had the same experience as you. The creator is working on this as we speak. The damb is going to break in the next year or two!!!!! Love you S.B. You are in my and many peoples prayers!
Do they take more advantage of you because you are native? Do your parents not protect you or sell you for money or you send them rent/money? What happens? I don’t know anything about this
This is a perfect example of strength and bravery. Telling her story to others is more difficult than anything most people will ever do and I hope she continues to stay strong
She’s so beautiful and the fact shes doing gods work is even more beautiful!! You go girl!!
Nice profile pic LOL.
WTF with the profile pic?? Geez. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
God's work? lol
Wow this lady is such a clear speaker she is the ultimate voice for all those women and girls who can't have one , I can literally feel the realness of her story , I'm from England and I was trapped working on the streets x
Bless you - how are you doing now?
You are so brave Casandra. Thank you for sharing.
GOD BLESS YOU HONEY. SO GLAD YOU WERE ABLE TO GET OUT.
You are a beautiful soul!!! Thank you for sharing your story and helping others break free!
I saw when her eyes changed and she dissociated. Happens to me too.
I am truly sorry. Truly. I really hope you are in a better situation, physically and mentally
@@flaviasomarriba6555 very kind thank you
jazeelius 1 zoning out isn't the same as dissociation
@jazeelius 1 it's not the same. dissociation is part of a greater mental health issue, zoning out is just a normal thing
Dissociation is REAL
She’s not far into her own recovery. Still needs lots of help. Hope the best for her.
She’s not far into her own financial recovery. Still wants lots of our money. Hope she will get nothing.
@@postoronniy007 What's wrong with you?
@@saynotohookups Unfortunately, I know too much about people in general, women in particular, and american legal system that supports female fraudsters. Otherwise, nothing is wrong with me.
@@postoronniy007 She is Canadian and lives in Canada. I know that there are fraudsters but where is the proof that she is a fraudster? How can you make an assumption that she is the same as others?
@@saynotohookups How can you make an assumption that she is the same as others? - Easily.
She had to get really skillful at masking her emotions, but it's a skill that no one should have to learn. Looks like she almost faltered for a moment, but after a couple seconds, the wall was just as strong.
"She had to get really skillful at masking her emotions" - any fraudster has to master this skill.
@@postoronniy007 EXACTLY
This is too painful to here. Thank you for your courage. Boys girl men and women are abused every day. I am so so sorry you went through this. You are extremely brave and a hero for sharing this story of yours
I just want to give her a hug,powerful talk.
This happens in the Johnson County Kansas area! I am a legitimate licensed massage therapist and this has been going on for at least the last 20 years here with massage establishments. The police know it's going on and they don't care!!!
The police actually help traffick women read about Toni Anderson I used to work with her
Men in Overland Park are still men - and still want what they want. That includes the cops et al
Thank you for sharing your story. You are brave and amazing to support others from this horrible experience. I am grateful you are safe! I have 3 daughters and pray for their safety every single day!
This started for me when I was 4 and I'm African indigenous and Middle Eastern they always start them out young
I'm sorry...please get out NOW..if you haven't already. Keep knocking on doors until you find legitimate help.
So sorry they did this to you. You deserve love and happiness.
im so sorry this happened. you are so strong and amazing.
Omg, I pray your ok, if you are still there find a plan to go
Are you still in that place, pls contact me if you need help
Wow, someone told me that He knows 1st. Hand this Happens in Chicago suntan parlors, massage parlors, barbershops, waxing salons, the flea markets people walk around passing out cards for fake businesses that have numbers that you call for services. And i think about these poor women who cannot escape. When you are young and naive or just naive you have no idea this goes on. (Speaking of myself) sextrafficking or brothels right under your nose. Thank you Cassandra for sharing your story