The Harrowing Journey of Kate Price
Kate Price’s life is a testament to resilience and advocacy, emerging from the darkest corners of humanity to shine a light on child sex trafficking. Raised in a rural Pennsylvania town, Kate endured years of sexual abuse at the hands of her father. Tragically, he not only abused her directly but also drugged her and sold her to other men. Her childhood was marked by fear and unimaginable trauma, leaving scars that would take decades to surface fully.
Uncovering the Horrors
Even as a child, Kate exhibited an exceptional ability to observe and analyze the world around her. At just six years old, she pieced together clues about her abusers, offering a glimpse of her innate drive to uncover the truth. As an adult, this determination turned into a career. Now a researcher at Wellesley College, Kate delves into the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), shedding light on the harsh realities faced by countless victims across the globe.
Healing Through Research
In her memoir, This Happened To Me, Kate meticulously documents not only her personal pain but also her recovery process. Writing the book was both cathartic and revealing, allowing her to heal and connect with her sister, who had also been trafficked by their father. Through decades of therapy, including sessions with the renowned psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk, she began confronting her past and managing her PTSD.
Kate’s story gained wider recognition through a 2022 article co-written with journalist Janelle Nanos for the Boston Globe. This article laid the groundwork for her book, offering an investigative look into familial trafficking and the systemic failures that perpetuate abuse.
Breaking the Silence
For years, Kate lived under the shadow of her traumatic past. Her father’s control extended into her adulthood, reinforced by societal norms that prioritized family loyalty over justice. It wasn’t until multiple therapy sessions that she mustered the courage to confront him and break contact for good. Though painful, this step was necessary for her to reclaim her narrative and begin rebuilding her life.
A Call to Action Against Trauma
Kate’s work aims to create systemic change and provide validation for survivors. She emphasizes that survivors need belief and support rather than skepticism and shame. Her research offers insight into familial trafficking, a subject often misunderstood or ignored, and calls for cultural and legal reforms to better protect victims.
Inspiring Strength and Advocacy
Survivors across the world have reached out to Kate, finding solace in her story. She hopes her book and ongoing research can inspire others to confront their pasts, seek healing, and advocate for justice. While her journey is marked by trauma, it is also defined by hope and the pursuit of change—a legacy that will undoubtedly make a difference for future generations.
This Happened To Me: A Reckoning by Kate Price is available now. Published by Leap, it’s a must-read for those seeking to understand the complex realities of human trafficking and the resilience of survivors.
