How Advocacy Transformed a Survivor's Life

By Abby Glaser
Encompass Community Advocate

When Leah first met Abby, the community advocate at Encompass, she was in the second year of recovery, fresh out of a relationship with her trafficker and terrified of going back. She had already taken courageous steps by entering a treatment center and joining a relationship class. That’s where her advocate first noticed the signs--signs Leah didn’t fully recognize herself. 

After graduating from the program, Leah reached out for support. What followed was a transformative three-year journey—marked by setbacks, breakthroughs, and an unwavering relationship built on trust, safety, and advocacy. ​

The Role of an Advocate

Leah puts it simply: 
“You saved my life.” 

Her advocate didn’t just offer support--she offered protection, guidance, and presence, even when Leah returned to her abuser. Through each cycle, her advocate helped her unlearn deeply ingrained behaviors and rebuild a new foundation of self-worth and understanding. 
“I learned how to recognize love bombing, gaslighting, brainwashing… Even when I took him back, you helped me recognize the signs. The abuser tried his old tricks, but this time, I knew what they were.” 
 
Reclaiming Trust and Building Strength 

Working with her advocate allowed Leah to slowly reclaim trust—not just in others, but in herself. 
She now recognizes red flags, sets boundaries, and listens to her intuition. Most importantly, she has built safe, healthy relationships—including friendships with men—something she never thought was possible. 

Life After Crisis 
Today, Leah’s life looks radically different. She teaches in jails and treatment centers. She sponsors other women in recovery, leads meetings, and is part of a leadership program. She has stable, safe housing and recently welcomed her daughter back into her home. 
 
What She Wants Others to Know 

Leah speaks with clarity about what she wishes more people understood: 

• That many women don’t realize they’re being trafficked. 

• That you can’t fix or change an abusive partner. 

• That getting an advocate can make all the difference. 

To any woman who feels stuck, Leah offers this message: 

“It’s hard and painful, but you are worth it. You have a purpose and you deserve better. Would you let your daughter go through this?” 

Defining Healing and Freedom 

For Leah, healing is rooted in community and self-trust. She continues her recovery through step work, seeing her advocate, staying connected to trusted friends, and honoring her own intuition. 
And what is she most proud of? 

“Freedom. Self-love. Boundaries. Being able to trust myself again. Making my own decisions. Having people I can count on.” 
 
Leah’s story is a testament to what’s possible when someone has an advocate walking beside them. 
​
It’s not just about survival--it’s about rediscovering strength, reclaiming identity, and choosing freedom, one day at a time. 

Reach out to Encompass today to talk to someone about starting advocacy for yourself--you are not alone.​