SACRAMENTO-

It’s a life that no girl dreams of when she grows up, life as a prostitute.

“I’ve been robbed, shot at, stabbed, and thrown out of cars when they are still moving,” said Amber. She started prostituting before she was old enough to drink. We are using the name Amber to protect her identity.

It’s her reality and she says it pays her well, $1,000 a day.

It was tough listening to the mother of three; her story is one of pain and struggle.

We know sex-trafficking is a huge problem in our communities. FOX40 is committed to not only bringing you the news, but seeking help for those who need healing.

That’s why we turned to Weave, Inc. Their mission is to help women who are victims of sex-trafficking.

“We are seeing younger and younger victims, many don’t know they are being trafficked,” said Beth Hassett, the Executive Director of Weave Inc. in Sacramento.

Hassett says they’ve seen girls as young as 12-years-old working the streets and many have been convinced by their pimp that they’re loved.

“Just convincing them that they’ve been trafficked is a huge challenge and trying to get them to use resources is difficult,” said Hassett.

The manipulators play mind games, convincing the women or young girls that they can’t leave, even though there’s an open door.

“She wants to be believed, there’s a struggle for her and she wants people to believe her. That’s the true story for any sexual assault victim.”

If you know anyone who is involved in sex trafficking and they need help you can call Weave, Inc. 24-hours a day. Their number is (916) 920-2952 or visit www.weaveinc.org.

To call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, the toll-free 24-hour hotline number is 1-888-373-7888.