Photo : UN Women / Catianne Tijerina what it means to overcome ; autumn burris ’ 11
TRUTH TO POWER Autumn Burris ’ 11 has addressed the U . N . Commission on the Status of Women numerous times , speaking on behalf of sex trafficking survivors .
helping officers and detectives understand prostitution from the perspective of those being trafficked . It was work she continued to do even as she earned her degree at UC San Diego — she attended police task force meetings , and even recalls occasions in between classes , being on the phone with detectives and lending her perspective on their cases .
“ Almost a decade ago , Autumn was ahead of her time in putting forth a survivor-informed approach to the fight against human trafficking ,” says Charisma De Los Reyes , a former social worker who worked with Burris on the task force . Now a policy analyst , De Los Reyes is able to apply the concepts Burris introduced on a much wider scale . “ This is not just talk ,” she says . “ Autumn ’ s advocacy work directly impacts the lives of those who are going through terrible experiences , and helps them thrive once they make their exit .”
SHORTLY AFTER GRADUATING , Burris launched Survivors for Solutions , her own business committed to reaching back and assisting survivor leaders who desire to enhance their lives though professional development and leadership . The organization also offers sex trafficking survivors a platform to be heard via public policy reform , education and training . Burris is also sought for her perspective not only at conferences and change summits , but as expert testimony in sex trafficking trials as well .
“ My goal has always been to engage and develop survivor leaders ,” she says . “ I also want to continue to work on the public policy piece in the area of international human rights , which I was trained for here at UC San Diego .”
Burris believes the need for creating survivor-informed policy is becoming especially critical , as she has seen an escalation in the trauma sex trafficking victims are enduring in recent years .
“ I don ’ t diminish my story ,” she says , “ but I am telling you , the stories I am hearing now with the internet and legalized prostitution are clearly a violation of human rights and the spirit and integrity of us as women . I can ensure you with 100 percent security that pornography , illicit massage , stripping and sex trafficking are all connected . It might not feel the same , but they are inextricable .”
Burris is looking me square in the face now . She continues , passionately explaining .
“ We have to put money into prevention ,” she adds . “ Prevention is about educating sex buyers too . It ’ s about not letting them off the hook . It ’ s about looking at that male toxic masculinity and helping men and boys to make the change and engage them in the fight . Education is power . One instance in any form of male violence against women is one too many .”
Burris takes a long sip from the drink in front of her . She looks past me at a spot just behind my shoulder . I turn to look , thinking perhaps she recognizes someone walking on the winding path behind us . But there is no one there . She is deep in thought , lost in a memory . Finally , she says , “ At the end of the day I just want people to know I am a normal human being and survivors of any type of violence can overcome and be whatever they want in the world . My life could be anybody ’ s life .”
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking , call 888-373-7888 . humantraffickinghotline . org
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