LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A new shelter will soon offer human trafficking survivors a safe space to heal in Louisville.
"When the right people don't step in, the wrong people will," Deanna Lynn said.
Lynn survived the unimaginable. Right after graduating high school, she was approached for some modeling jobs.
"They started with legitimate modeling jobs," she said. "Then, they increased the amount of alcohol, drugs, money, and the lifestyle. All of a sudden, I'm in a hotel with this guy who's delivering me places or standing outside with his gun. Every 30 minutes, multiple new people are banging on that door."
The modeling opportunity ultimately forced her into pornography.
"I thought, 'well, at least if I get murdered, there'll be a witness, because it'll be on film,'" Lynn said. "I had three people who were making money off of me and telling me I had no other options in life."
In December 2011, Lynn was able to escape with the help of Refuge for Women. The nonprofit houses sex trafficking survivors and gets them vital resources to gain control over their lives again, such as insurance and food benefits.
Deanna Lynn escaped sex trafficking after a decade thanks to the help of Refuge for Women.
Lynn was able to turn her life around, and now she's encouraging others to escape the grip of sex trafficking.
"IÂ Â have graduated from seminary," Lynn said. "I start my doctorate this August. I got married to a wonderful man and and we have a beautiful family."
Refuge for Women has resources for survivors in several cities, including Chicago. Soon, the nonprofit will expand those services to Louisville, and house up to eight women at a time.
The new center will help women who are least 18 years-old. They can stay for up to 90 days.
The goal is to give "hope a home in Kentucky."
"Women are still trying to find hope in their 60s, 70s, 80s, when that's the only life you've ever known," Lynn said. "It just kind of becomes your normal, and it becomes really painful to hope for another way."
On June 25, dozen of supporters gathered at Southeast Christian Church for a ribbon cutting ceremony. It was a moment years in the making.
Officials have asked WDRB not to share this center's exact location for safety reasons. However, Lynn said at least 104 survivors have already reached out for help.
While Louisville's shelter isn't for children, Refuge for Women does have apartment homes for families.Â
"That's a unique opportunity that we got to open last year," Lynn said. "They'd be able to bring their children or reunite with their children. That services women with children and emotional support animals."
For more info on Refuge for Women, click here. You can also call the nonprofit at 859-279-2096.
Related Coverage:
Kentucky secretary of state launches new initiative for businesses to help combat human trafficking
Human trafficking survivor from Kentucky shares her journey from trauma to triumph
Human trafficking shelter opens in Louisville to provide safe haven for survivors
Police educating drivers, officials on signs of human trafficking
Louisville man arrested for human trafficking in Hillview
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