“Never be ashamed of a scar. It simply means you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.” – Unknown Author
It’s been said that God works in mysterious ways. Nothing could be more mysterious than a chance meeting of two women, Carol Smith and Kellie Russell. Over 20 years ago Kellie opened a photography studio. Then, through one of her clients, she met Carol. The two women connected and began to work together. Studio work was going well. Then Kellie began to battle demons from her past. Kellie had been a victim of sexual abuse from the time she was a child through her young adult years. Yet, somehow, in the midst of that horrific pain, she felt God leading her to use her own experience to free other victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse.
Kellie’s experience also began to touch Carol’s heart and soon the two women began to educate themselves on the widespread abuses that exist all over the world. They traveled to places like Thailand and learned that the sex trafficking industry thrives heavily as a result of the patronage of American businessmen, some of whom live right here in Kentucky.
The law defines trafficking as the performance of sexual acts in exchange for goods and services, such as money or drugs. As Kellie and Carol learned more about the horrific abuses that children and women are often subjected to, they knew they had to take action in their own community.
“The age of the children (who are abused) is what is so shocking,” Carol says. “The youngest reported victim of sexual abuse in Kentucky was two months old. The severity of the sexual abuse that surrounds children is mind blowing.”
In fact, the average age of children who will be trafficked in this country is revolting, nine years old for boys and 12 years old for girls. Fifty percent of those children fall victim at the hands of a parent or guardian, people whom children should be able to trust. In Kentucky alone 86 percent of trafficking is sexual in nature and 70 percent of those who are trafficked are actually US citizens. In fact, it is estimated that 300,000 US children are being trafficked or abused.
“People think that most of those who are trafficked in the United States are from other countries; but this is happening to women and children in our community, in our own backyards,” Carol says.
Moved to action, Kellie and Carol received training to open and operate a long-term residential home that would bring hope and healing to women who had experienced some form of sexual abuse. In 2014, they opened the doors to Victory Through Grace where they provide a safe refuge for up to eight women, ages 18 to 30.
While it’s easy to get bogged down in the filthy details of sexual abuse and human trafficking, Carol has a perspective that allows the women whom the ministry serves to live a life filled with joy.
“These women are walking in freedom,” Carol says excitedly. “We create a sense of pride and healing. We give them the truth behind the reason they were created. We let them know that God has so much more for them.”
Victory Through Grace is a free long-term residential home that provides young women with a safe place to live. Residents are given access to licensed, professional counselors and are taught about healthy boundaries so that they are able to protect themselves from future abuses. Women are empowered, free from the shame that their abusers inflicted upon them.
The program at Victory Through Grace lasts about six months. Then the women continue the healing process in an after care program for an additional two months. The facility is led and staffed by trained volunteers and there are no paid staff members. They rely on the donations of local churches and the generosity of individuals in the community who believe in the work they are doing.
“We’re just now getting to where people are willing to talk about sexual abuse,” Carol says. “But talking about trafficking and slavery still freaks people out and they don’t want to talk about it.”
However, as awareness builds, stronger laws are being enacted and enforced, which makes it easier for victims of sex trafficking and abuse to get the relief that they need to live peaceful lives.
“Victory Through Grace is organized to empower, educate and support young women who have life-controlling issues who have survived sexual abuse,” Carol says. “Our team of volunteers consists of survivors and those who are committed to abolishing modern day slavery and sexual abuse.”
Carol and Kellie hear shocking stories told by women every day. They are able to do the work they do because of the strength they find in Christ.
“I love these women where they are. I see the beauty in them and not just what has happened to them,” Carol says. “Today is what matters. Today is a clean slate and we get to choose what we paint on our canvas.”
If you would like to know more about this 501(c) 3 non-profit organization or to make a donation please call 270.564.4252.
