The slave across the street : the true story of how an American teen survived the world of human trafficking

While more and more people each day become aware of the dangerous world of human trafficking, many people in the U.S. believe this is something that happens to foreign women, men and children—not something that happens to their own children and neighbors.They couldn’t be more wrong.In this powerful true story, Theresa Flores shares how her life as an All-American, 15-year-old teenager was enslaved into the dangerous world of sex-trafficking—all while living at home with unsuspecting parents in an upper-middle class suburb of Detroit. Her story peels the cover off of this horrific criminal activity and gives dedicated activists as well as casual bystanders a glimpse into the underbelly of human trafficking.Even more importantly, Theresa’s story and expertise as a counselor and licensed social worker help identify red flags that could prevent her plight from becoming the fate of an unsuspecting teenager. She discusses how she healed the wounds of sexual servitude and offers advice to parents and professionals through prevention tips, education and significant information on human trafficking in modern day America. With insights and perspectives from a doctor, a friend and her own brother, Theresa’s memoir provides a well-rounded portrait of the dark world of human trafficking and serves as a reminder of the most important element to overcoming slavery: hope.