External Motivation: Surviving to Protect a Loved One

Sometimes, the concern for others' safety is more motivating than our own safety. This was definitely the case for Ursel Hughes. Ursel was twenty years old when she became pregnant, and her pimp was the father. As the pregnancy progressed, she was able to "work" less and less, causing him to become violent. Around seven months in, he hospitalized her. Knowing the potential consequences of "selling out" her pimp, Hughes responded to her nurses' concerned questions with "I'm fine." Despite her response, one nurse gave her resources for domestic violence shelters and a card with the National Human Trafficking Hotline. After being discharged from the hospital, Ursel gave the hotline a call. She and the advocate she spoke to devised a plan to leave her pimp when she was ready. After her son was born, she still didn't feel prepared to leave. She continued to sell sex, and that was when she realized something. She had to get out to protect her son. Because of the hotline, she was prepared to leave. She had a plan and was able to escape and make a better life for her and her son.

To read Ursel's full story, follow this link.