They survived abuse and brutal treatment from their captors, but upon finding freedom, victims of human trafficking have to learn skills many people take for granted, including how to eat right.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the average age of a child sold for sex is 13 years old. That's the age Lakisha Davenport was sold to a dope dealer by her friend's step-father 30 years ago.
"Then it was just drug dealer after drug dealer after drug dealer," said Davenport. "But I was addicted. I wanted whatever it was going to take because I was chasing the high."
Davenport entered into the End Slavery program after decades of abuse from a number of pimps and male abusers. She has two brands and one tattoo from men who claimed her as property. Now 42, Davenport is entering into the real world for the first time, but not without struggle.
"It's the whole reprogramming myself. It's just been hard for me because I feel unloved and unwanted if I don't have a man abusing me," she said.
End Slavery is a group that helps rehabilitate and give life skills to survivors of human trafficking. In 2017, they took on 157 cases. In Tennessee there are around 100 minors trafficked every month.
"It's just as common in suburbs and small towns as it is in urban areas," said Derri Smith, CEO of End Slavery TN.
The survivors face many challenges, but one issue that keeps them from living fulfilling lives is understanding what consists of a proper diet.
"[The abusers] tell you when you eat, what you eat even if you eat. Because you may not have brought in enough money that day. And so, it's a complicated process to learn that you have choices," said Smith.
End Slavery brings in help from volunteers like Rebecca Jensen and groups such as the Foundation for Healthy Living.
"It is really easy to grab white bread and overly processed white pastas or McDonalds," said Jensen. "McDonalds is super easy, super cheap, tastes great.... It's one of those things that you don't realize what you're giving your body."
Jensen encourages the survivors to try vegetables, fruits or fish in their diets.
Davenport says before taking part in those classes, she didn't know how to eat well before taking nutrition classes. She used to buy food out of gas stations or food that was unhealthy.
"It's cheap," she said. "It's cheaper or you make it. You can buy sandwich meat you can buy ramen noodles. Debbie Cakes, chips, and that's all fattening. Do I know where to go from there? I'm learning. But I don't. I don't have a clue."
