Over the course of the relationship, Darrell had been verbally, physically, and sexually abusive of Tamara.

When Darrell wanted extra money, he called friends of his and forced Tamara into commercial sex.

She had tried to leave Darrell in the past, but he threatened to hurt their children. He controlled all her money, did not allow her to keep her own bank account, and forbade her from getting her driver’s license, and would tell Tamara that she had no other options other than staying with him. Tamara could not see any alternatives for leaving.

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One evening, Darrell, Tamara, and an 18 year-old, Julie, who Darrell was also forcing into prostitution, were pulled over by a patrol officer for a traffic violation.

The officer noticed that when Darrell pulled out his identification he had Tamara’s ID and the other girls’ ID in his wallet.

The officer was suspicious and asked to speak to them all privately. During his conversation, the officer realized both women were being forced and coerced into prostitution. He referred both women for emergency services at the shelter. The shelter then helped find temporary housing and provided food and clothing for both women.

Julie immediately left Darrell and found a job in a restaurant. Tamara relocated out of state with her children, but still struggles with being a single parent to her four children.

BUT NO MATTER WHAT, SHE KNOWS THAT SHE MADE THE BEST CHOICE FOR HER AND HER CHILDREN, AND SEES THE PROOF OF THAT MORE AND MORE EVERY DAY. 

Story sourced from The Polaris Project. All pictures shown are for representation purposes only and are commercially available portraits. We have taken great care to change names and identifying details for Survivor’s confidentiality and protection