KAALtv.com - Rochester Organization Saves Woman from Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is not something that’s only happening overseas. Individuals can find themselves in modern day slavery, even in Southeast Minnesota. At an Immigration Gala in Rochester, the story of how one young women escaped its grasp was heard.
"I felt less than human," said an Ethiopian national named Muna.
For her entire life, Muna felt like property. From overseas, to even right here in Rochester, she was a slave to labor trafficking, until she finally escaped and was picked up at a Hy-Vee off of 37th Street in Rochester.
"I didn't want to stop running because I was so afraid of being caught," she said.
Muna, alongside a translator, told her story at the gala, a 30th year anniversary event for the Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association. It's a support group for newcomers from other countries, from Southeast Asia decades ago, to the war zones of today.
"They're coming from Africa, from the Middle East," said Executive Director Ron Buzard.
Muna is the oldest child in her family, who’s still in Ethiopia. Her transition from country to country, and her persistence through abuse and work from sun up to sun down, was all for her siblings, for the possibility of education.
Education was never a reality to Muna herself, until she found IMAA, who began paving the way.
"It provides those bridges to hope and safety that were destroyed by their victimization," said Buzard.
Now, in just under two years, she's learned enough English to share her story and express her thanks.
"For people working here and also for the women's shelter," said Muna.
She has hardly felt human, not in Ethiopia, not even in Rochester, until one frigid morning.
"I was free,” she said, recollecting her thoughts.
IMAA has been a resource for immigrants, runaways, and newcomers for three decades in Rochester.
"I felt less than human," said an Ethiopian national named Muna.
For her entire life, Muna felt like property. From overseas, to even right here in Rochester, she was a slave to labor trafficking, until she finally escaped and was picked up at a Hy-Vee off of 37th Street in Rochester.
"I didn't want to stop running because I was so afraid of being caught," she said.
Muna, alongside a translator, told her story at the gala, a 30th year anniversary event for the Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association. It's a support group for newcomers from other countries, from Southeast Asia decades ago, to the war zones of today.
"They're coming from Africa, from the Middle East," said Executive Director Ron Buzard.
Muna is the oldest child in her family, who’s still in Ethiopia. Her transition from country to country, and her persistence through abuse and work from sun up to sun down, was all for her siblings, for the possibility of education.
Education was never a reality to Muna herself, until she found IMAA, who began paving the way.
"It provides those bridges to hope and safety that were destroyed by their victimization," said Buzard.
Now, in just under two years, she's learned enough English to share her story and express her thanks.
"For people working here and also for the women's shelter," said Muna.
She has hardly felt human, not in Ethiopia, not even in Rochester, until one frigid morning.
"I was free,” she said, recollecting her thoughts.
IMAA has been a resource for immigrants, runaways, and newcomers for three decades in Rochester.
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