Survivor Spotlight: Toni D. Rivera, Human Trafficking Expert

You can watch Toni's amazingly brave story: For My Man, S6 E13...Chained by Love from TVONEToni D Rivera - Human Trafficking Expert, Author Speaker&nb

You can watch Toni’s amazingly brave story: For My Man, S6 E13…Chained by Love from TVONE

Toni D Rivera – Human Trafficking Expert, Author Speaker

Toni D. Rivera is a survivor of sex trafficking who has
dedicated her life to educating and advocating for victims of this life-destroying
crime. Her story began in the early 1990s when she attended the infamous
Atlanta festival known as Freaknik.

In the 1990s, Freaknik was popular and attracted mostly Black college spring breakers. We’re talking thousands. However, for Toni, that weekend would change her life forever.

Toni, who was in her teen years (according to her online bio, she was 15) met a man at Freaknik who was remarkably handsome and seemed charming and
charismatic.

He introduced himself as an entertainment industry insider and
claimed to have connections that could help her launch a singing career.

This was Toni’s chance! She had been dancing for years and loved to show off her moves. When she danced, people paid attention.

Excited about the possibility of realizing her dreams, Toni exchanged numbers
with the man (let’s call him Chris) and began texting and talking to him frequently.

However, after a few weeks of communicating, Toni began to notice some red
flags. Chris would pressure her to send him explicit photos and would become
irate if she refused.

He also asked her to meet up with him and his acquaintances for parties and events, which she initially declined. He was a little old. She was a little young. She was from a rural area where everyone knew everyone else. It was all a bit much.

However, Chris continued to pressure her, telling her that networking was key to success in
the music business. If she genuinely wanted to be a dancer, she had to get to know the right people. Having seen her dance at Freaknik, Chris was willing to help her with that.

Toni wondered how she could turn it down? She gave in to Chris’ demands and attended a party he invited
her to. That’s when things took a turn for the strange.

Toni found
herself surrounded by strangers, and Chris was
nowhere to be found. She felt uncomfortable and scared and made a move to leave but was blocked from leaving.

It was a dangerous, life-altering, and painful trap.

For the next few months, Toni was violently forced and threatened into performing sexual acts for money that went into Chris’ pockets. Whenever she seemed hesitant, there were more threats and more violence. Toni was concerned for both her own safety and the safety of her family.

Meanwhile, her worried and anxious family continued to travel to places they hoped she might be looking for her. Toni’s season of torture only ended when she decided to take an open opportunity to escape.

Since then, Toni has been on a mission to raise awareness about sex trafficking
and help other survivors. She is a speaker, and executive producer who shares her story and educates audiences on the warning signs of trafficking.

She also founded R.O.S.E (Restore Overcome Sexual Exploitation) which provides support and resources to victims of sex
trafficking.

Toni’s story highlights the insidious and pervasive nature of sex trafficking.
It can happen to anyone, anywhere, regardless of race, gender, or social
status. It’s often disguised by charming and manipulative traffickers who prey
on vulnerable individuals seeking connection and opportunity.

However, Toni’s
story also demonstrates that there is hope for survivors. With support,
education, and resources, victims can escape their traffickers and rebuild
their lives.

Toni D. Rivera’s story is one of resilience and strength in the
face of unimaginable trauma.

Her bravery in sharing her story and advocating
for victims of sex trafficking is inspirational and serves as a reminder that
we must continue to fight against this crime and support those affected by it.

Toni D Rivera – Human Trafficking Expert, Author Speaker

Others on Freaknik: