Throughout the coronavirus outbreak, health has been top priority. But for some at-risk groups, COVID-19 is a second thought.
When so many were focused on the new epidemic, Mimi Nikkel’s mind turned to one that already existed in human trafficking and prostitution.
“Demand goes up when people are experiencing fear, stress and anxiety,” she said.
Nikkel, a trafficking survivor, runs the outreach organization Love’s Arm. After pressing pause during stay-at-home orders, they’re getting back on the streets.
“In the drive-through, it became very evident that things had picked up,” she said of a recent excursion.
In two short sessions, advocates connected with 17 different women in a trafficking hotspot in Chattanooga. They started by handing out hand sanitizer and basic health information.
“When they see us with masks on, they go ‘Yeah, COVID,’ but it’s just something that doesn’t really land or register,” Nikkel said.
Victims are a high-risk population for the virus. Fear has become normal, so social distancing and health aren’t top priorities.
“It’s every day for them,” Nikkel said. “Every single day is driven by fear, risk and not knowing if you’re going to live through that day or not.”
Nikkel says with higher demand, comes tighter control by traffickers and fewer calls for help.
“Right now those calls are down, but we’re pretty sure that we’re going to see a huge influx when things open up again,” she said.
Through it all, Nikkel says the work never stopped. She wants victims to know advocates are still available and ready to help.
SOURCE: WRBCTV
