Rebuilding lives: Survivor Leaders Series Part 2

In the UK, a recent court case has revealed the devastating reality of modern slavery hiding behind ordinary doors. Whilst reflecting on the severity of this case, we turn our minds to the future for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking and speak to Parastou, a Survivor Leader who is dedicated to connecting with other survivors in the UK to help them rebuild their lives. 

At the time of publishing, in the UK, Amanda Wixon, 56, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for holding a vulnerable woman captive in her home for more than 25 years. The victim, known in court as ‘K’, was just 16 in 1996 when she moved into Wixon’s house in Gloucestershire, UK. She remained there until 2021.

During that time, K was forced to work as a domestic servant, cleaning an overcrowded house and surviving largely on scraps of food. She was not allowed to leave the property and had to secretly wash at night. Prosecutors told the court that, by the late 1990s, it was as if she had ‘disappeared into a black hole’; there were no records of her leaving the house or interacting with the outside world.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that survival is possible and that people who have experienced modern slavery often become some of the strongest voices calling for change.

The court heard that the years of neglect and abuse had caused profound harm. K now requires round-the-clock care, and in a victim impact statement she described living with daily anxiety, often feeling ‘panicked and frozen’, with loud noises triggering fear.

The judge described the case as having a ‘Dickensian quality’; a stark reminder that extreme exploitation and servitude still exist today.

And yet, K’s story is not only one of suffering. Since leaving the house in 2021, she has begun rebuilding her life. She now attends college and has even travelled abroad on holiday, experiences that were once unimaginable during the years she spent hidden from the world.

Her journey is a powerful reminder that survival is possible and that people who have experienced modern slavery often become some of the strongest voices calling for change.

Across the world, survivor leaders are speaking out, shaping policy, supporting others and helping communities recognise and confront exploitation. In this second article in our Survivor Leaders series, we hear from one such voice.

Human trafficking affects trust, confidence, relationships and a person’s sense of control. Recovery is not easy, and no one should face it alone. 

Parastou, UK

Please could you introduce yourself?

My name is Parastou, and I’m a Survivor Leader in the UK

Do you have a favourite dessert?

Sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream; I first tried this dessert at a church group and instantly loved it! 

Could you describe your role?

My job is mostly about connecting with other survivors. My role is to help other survivors, but I believe these meetings have had a positive impact on me. 

Every conversation I have demonstrates shows how easy it is for human trafficking to happen to anyone but also how important the role of The Salvation Army is in offering support to people who have been affected by this. 

What or who shapes the work done by The Salvation Army in this area?

It is the survivors. Their voices guide our work and help The Salvation Army to understand the barriers people face when trying to rebuild their lives. Our workshops also give people space to connect, reduce isolation, and support one another. 

The Salvation Army has always been shaped by people who understand hardship because they’ve lived it. That’s why Survivor Leaders matter; our experiences help shape better support for others.

How does being trafficked affect people mentally? 

Human trafficking affects trust, confidence, relationships and a person’s sense of control. Recovery is not easy, and no one should face it alone. 

I want people to know that my experiences don’t limit me. They strengthen me. They give me empathy, clarity and determination. They help me speak up for those who aren’t ready to speak for themselves.

What does The Salvation Army represent to people who have been trafficked?  

In the Salvation Army, survivors from different cultures and backgrounds come together, share stories of pain, resilience and hope. The Salvation Army represents a safe place where we empower each other and help professionals understand what meaningful support really looks like. 

How do your experiences help inform the work you do?

As a Survivor Leader, I want people to know that my experiences don’t limit me. They strengthen me. They give me empathy, clarity and determination. They help me speak up for those who aren’t ready to speak for themselves.

Is there one message you would like to give to our readers? 

I am not defined by what happened to me. I am defined by what I do with it. And I choose to turn my story into strength, so others can find theirs too. 

This interview is the second in the series of inspirational interviews with Survivor Leaders who work with The Salvation Army, so please check back to read more. 

If you are connected to The Salvation Army and a survivor leader and would like more information about our Global Survivor Community and connect with other survivor leaders, please email: priscilla.santos@salvationarmy.org or Malaika.oringo@legerdesheils.nl

For more information on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking please click here

To recognise the signs of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking please click here.