Not all sex trade survivors exit “the life” with a clean slate. Unfortunately, many survivors get caught up with the (in)justice system, often because of something their trafficker made them do. So what happens then? Is there a way to fight the system and defend yourself? How can you get a job if you have a record? In this episode, Melanie and survivor leader Shamere McKenzie discuss the realities of getting charged and/or labeled as "co-conspirators" with a trafficker, the complications that come with having a criminal record, the importance of trauma-informed legal aid, and how to rebuild your life when your slate isn’t legally clean.
Shamere McKenzie is a consultant, activist, subject matter expert on human trafficking and an award-winning internationally recognized speaker and trainer. Turning her past adversities into an opportunity to liberate and protect others, Shamere has brought about social and political change in America and around the world. She is the Chief Executive Officer for Sun Gate Foundation, an anti-trafficking organization that provides educational opportunities for survivors of human trafficking. In addition, Shamere serves as the Training Manager for the National Human Trafficking Hotline in the United States. She is also the co-chair for the victim’s services committee for the Maryland State Human Trafficking Task Force. In 2018, Shamere responded to a call from the Ministry of Justice in her birthplace, Jamaica, and currently serves as the Anti-Trafficking Ambassador for Jamaica in the fight against human trafficking. Shamere works tirelessly to raise awareness on human trafficking by speaking at universities, conferences, community events, and consulting with government officials around the world. She has trained a variety of professionals on how to identify and respond to victims of human trafficking, including the FBI, Homeland Security, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, churches, hotel and airline staff to name a few. In 2015, Shamere graduated from Loyola University Chicago with her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.