When I was 17, I walked through this airport heavily medicated/sedated after a suicide attempt that was almost successful. I stared death in the face. I walked through this airport to be placed at a residential facility in Saratoga Springs, Utah. That facility is called New Haven Residential Treatment Center. When I was in this airport, I thought I was going to get the help I needed and wanted so badly. Instead, I was tortured for a year. I didnโt know I would be physically, emotionally, and sexually abused at this program for a year.
Today, I am using this airport as a layover/connecting flight to get home to my husband, our dog, and our home, from a conference with Unsilenced educating countless lawyers, judges, advocates, and politicians about the very industry that abused me. That industry is the troubled teen industry (or exploited teen industry). While yes, this airport brings back horrific memories, I also feel empowered that I am able to re-visit it after making an impact for youth in this country so they donโt have to suffer the same abuse I suffered.
Utah is a receiving state. They are actually the highest receiving state. This means they get the most children trafficked to their programs per year of any other state in the US. I canโt help but think of all the kids that have come through here in zip ties, handcuffs, or shackles after being transported (legally kidnapped or โgoonedโ) to face years of institutional abuse. This is why I will never stop fighting until every program is closed down and youth are safe from institutional abuse.
@unsilenced_now
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#ExploitedTeenIndustry
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