SD's GenerateHope Keeps Sex Trafficking Survivors Safe

When women need support after fleeing the sex trade, they often turn to Susan Munsey. A therapist and survivor herself, Munsey founded GenerateHope, a faith-based nonprofit, in 2009 to provide the comprehensive, long-term care needed to heal past trauma and make a new start. The organization started small — Munsey offered volunteer sessions through his new church — but has since grown to serve more than 160 survivors.

She also uses her voice and experience to advocate for solutions to end sex trafficking for good. In San Diego, this is a monumental task. The county sees more than 8,000 trafficking victims per year.

“People think it's not in Ramona, or the suburbs of San Diego, but it is. And sometimes people think it’s not in La Jolla or some of the wealthier areas and it is,” Munsey says. “GenerateHope does a lot of education in the community to help people understand what sex trafficking is and how prevalent it is here.”

Women who are working to quit “the life” are referred or self-refer to GenerateHope. Many share a similar story: They were lured into the sex trade as teenagers by an older “boyfriend” who eventually began to isolate, exploit and abuse her, Munsey says.

“It takes time for him to come out of it and realize that this is not what a man who loves him does,” she says.

At GenerateHope, women spend an average of two years in its five-phase residential program. They receive individual and group therapy, catch up on any education they may have missed, and prepare for college or trade school. They also take complementary classes (like dance, yoga, surf therapy, and equine therapy) and see various providers for medical, dental, and psychiatric care, as well as tattoo removal. Women who have lost custody of their children and are eligible for family reunification also work with child protective services to take appropriate action.

Six women participate in the program at a time and two resident guides also live in the GenerateHope home.

“The average length of stay is about two years, which may seem like a long time, but it's actually a drop in the bucket compared to the trauma they've been through,” Munsey says. “We want them to never have to go back to that.” We want to make sure they have the ability to substantially support themselves.

Munsey has helped facilitate many success stories during his years at GenerateHope. Survivors graduate, find jobs, and build healthy relationships. Some stay in touch, others continue their lives. It’s the successes, big and small, that keep him going.

“I have learned over the years that no one comes here without change. Even if they leave prematurely, they get something,” says Munsey. “We see a lot of women who catch it on the first try; we see women who have left and then come back.

“And sometimes we see women who have worked in another program and then come to us and really flourish,” she adds. “We can really see that spark lit and see them moving toward their dreams.” I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with amazing women.