Tokyo’s metropolis has a population of 35 million people. A mere 5 million fewer people than that which is known to be trafficked in the United States of America. The pictures attached to this show the vastness of the area and the compacture of the populous. The numbers add up to a ton of humans in the U.S. of A that are enslaved, my friends. The severity of this number hit home as I wandered the streets of Ginza or Harajuku, and in the shopping centers of Tokyo. We felt as tho we were a part of a sardine-like movement down the sidewalks. The space afforded to us in America is a luxury Japan does not have. This was felt most when my family from Nebraska’s vastness attempted to squeeze onto the subway full of businessmen and women flocking to the government epicenter. The Japanese civilians were packed in a small space and their large numbers were easy to view. As claustrophobia kicked in (none of us faired well) I couldn’t help but feel their vibrant lives in contrast to the lost souls of our lost Americans.
And yet very few of us in the United States are aware of the devastation. Sexual abuse and being sold for someone else’s profit can erode one’s soul.
Marley’s rescued in my fictional story of human trafficking. In reality, only 1% of people who are entangled are freed. And I’m not entirely sold that any soul is ever freed from the kind of nightmare trafficking entails. Shame and secrecy continue the legacy which keeps this crime the most underreported and difficult to prosecute. Perpetrators bank on this. We are fighting back with awareness and encouraging all to keep your children close.
She has done a wonderful job diving deep into this multifaceted novel. With much appreciation I say, “thank you.”
While I usually review non-fiction books, I took the opportunity this time to read and review a fiction book, as it was about human trafficking in Nebraska. I actually met the author, was impressed by her knowledge, expertise, and compassion about addressing human trafficking so was intrigued to pick up the book by Stacey Cahill.
The story is about a family who lives in Nebraska. As the story unfolds, so also does the intricacies of mental health, family dynamics, both healthy and dysfunctional, and issues of trauma, including abuse, neglect, and addiction enter into the plot line. The story involves a multigenerational family over several years, with babies growing into adults, becoming parents and then grandparents. Underneath the family story, with its own conflicts and issues is also a pervasive understory of prostitution and later human trafficking which seems to be perpetuated by well-known and respected members of the community.
So this novel includes many mental health issues, moving into addiction and 12 step programs, and also highlighting the importance of group and individual therapy in different situations, helping those involved move through healing in a more thorough and complete manner. Those “sessions” were handled professionally, as well as presented in a rational and realistic way. The book includes myth, symbolism and metaphor, along with a parallel movement of spirituality, forgiveness and redemption.
While we are not always aware of ways that human trafficking can be present, this novel laid out possibilities to consider. I admire when a new perspective is brought to the forefront, and this book seems to do exactly that. That is why I think it is important for us to be aware and open to learning new information, which prompted me to read this book. A difficult yet very current topic, one that is often ignored, often because we can’t see how it could be happening in rural America, and sometimes because we aren’t ready to accept the reality of human trafficking. But it is happening, which makes this book one I can recommend. Find out more. Protecting our children is a priority and we can’t do that if we turn a blind eye to the ways they are being used and abused.
In addition, the author is also a therapist and an educator about human trafficking in our area and is and has been available to give presentations and further illuminate our knowledge. Only in learning more can we truly be available to reaching out and being aware.
Crystal Werger grew up in Murdock, a very small town in eastern Nebraska between Omaha and Lincoln. After graduating from Elmwood-Murdock High School in 1991 she attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and graduated in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in arts and sciences with an emphasis in History/Art History. In 2002, Crystal and her husband, Mike, moved to Lexington, Nebraska. In 2014 she became the Director of the Dawson County Historical Society and Museum in Lexington. Talking about history and historic preservation is her passion but she also enjoys working in her flower gardens, looking at the moon, COFFEE, shopping, and reading/listening to books on Audible. Crystal has two grown sons who no longer live with her, but they left behind their three dogs to keep her company. She secretly loves them more than her children.
When Stacey and I (Lisa M.) asked Crystal to look back at the last few months of recording and tell us what line stood out the most she replied, “Why would he do this?” A line near the end of the book titled Traffic Stop: Human Division. Keep reading to hear more from Crystal.
I’m Crystal and I do the voice for Momma Jane. My favorite line of hers is in chapter 34 at the bottom of page 262… “Why would he do this?” Momma Jane has just seen the dead body of her husband, Otis, and she’s really upset. I love the progression of her feelings in this paragraph leading up to this line. When I read over this before I really got into the character, I didn’t realize the depth of her thoughts or emotion that is captured in this one little line. But when I got to this place in the book when recording and I had to become her, feel her, and essentially embody her emotions over a lifetime spent married to Otis, I understood what these words really meant. “Why would he do this?” isn’t just about the moment that brought him (Otis) to the mortuary its about every decision he made during their life together and how ALL of it brought them to this place. She’s feeling (and maybe reliving) EVERYTHING at this point, and she just wants to know why. And the sad thing is she’ll never know. And I think she’s feeling the grief of that as well.
As a newly formed non-profit and the furthest thing from professional audio-book publishers we want to say a heart felt thank you to this incredibly strong women.
Never in a thousand years would I have signed up willingly to write a grant. To be clear, I HATED writing a master’s thesis and am so jealous that budding young therapist are no longer required to do so in order to graduate. What I came to realize this last few days as I am pouring over my passion to STOP TRAFFIC was I had fun researching and creating innovative ideas to influence social change.
In order to travel Nebraska and beyond to educate the masses about human trafficking prevalence and prevention, we need financial support. That is why I have changed my hat and assumed the role of grant writer for the week.
In the research for one grant, I discovered that not only is Lexington the number 5 hot spot in Nebraska,
Why in the world is Nebraska (which doesn’t have the population of California or New York) higher per capita? I have some theories. Please share yours.
These are my thoughts; Nebraska is NICE. We teach our sons and daughters manners. We do not teach our children the glorious art of saying “No.” We encourage our children to disregard their personal boundaries by saying things like this; “Go to hug Aunt Bertha” even if the child obviously doesn’t want to because she has a snaggle tooth and a large growth on her cheek, not to mention her coffee breath would kill Goliath. The Nebraska child is taught to disregard their inner voice and ability to trust who is safe and who is not because we adults don’t want to offend Aunt Bertha. We teach our children not to hurt other’s feelings and to go above and beyond for others because that is the “right way” to be.
We assume we are safe because this is the GOOD LIFE. We assume nothing happens here, especially nothing as horrific as human trafficking.
I identify as a Christian and Jesus is my BFF. In fact, I want to be more like Jesus. Jesus stood for the downtrodden. He had boundaries and said ‘no.’ He was kind and loving to all, but firm when people were hurtful toward others in any sin. He said, ‘Let the children come to me and do not hinder them.’ He believed that children are our future and protected their innocent hearts. Jesus knew the world and some people in it had evil intentions. He knew horrific things happened, just read any book of the Bible to support there was human trafficking 2000 years ago and beyond, dating to the beginning of human- kind time.
When it comes to human sex trafficking and labor trafficking, could Nebraskans be more like Jesus? Please leave your comments below, I look forward to dialog with you.
Never in a thousand years would I have signed up willingly to write a grant. To be clear, I HATED writing a master’s thesis and am so jealous that budding young therapist are no longer required to do so in order to graduate. What I came to realize this last few days as I am pouring over my passion to STOP TRAFFIC was I had fun researching and creating innovative ideas to influence social change.
In order to travel Nebraska and beyond to educate the masses about human trafficking prevalence and prevention, we need financial support. That is why I have changed my hat and assumed the role of grant writer for the week.
In the research for one grant, I discovered that not only is Lexington the number 5 hot spot in Nebraska,
Why in the world is Nebraska (which doesn’t have the population of California or New York) higher per capita? I have some theories. Please share yours.
These are my thoughts; Nebraska is NICE. We teach our sons and daughters manners. We do not teach our children the glorious art of saying “No.” We encourage our children to disregard their personal boundaries by saying things like this; “Go to hug Aunt Bertha” even if the child obviously doesn’t want to because she has a snaggle tooth and a large growth on her cheek, not to mention her coffee breath would kill Goliath. The Nebraska child is taught to disregard their inner voice and ability to trust who is safe and who is not because we adults don’t want to offend Aunt Bertha. We teach our children not to hurt other’s feelings and to go above and beyond for others because that is the “right way” to be.
We assume we are safe because this is the GOOD LIFE. We assume nothing happens here, especially nothing as horrific as human trafficking.
I identify as a Christian and Jesus is my BFF. In fact, I want to be more like Jesus. Jesus stood for the downtrodden. He had boundaries and said ‘no.’ He was kind and loving to all, but firm when people were hurtful toward others in any sin. He said, ‘Let the children come to me and do not hinder them.’ He believed that children are our future and protected their innocent hearts. Jesus knew the world and some people in it had evil intentions. He knew horrific things happened, just read any book of the Bible to support there was human trafficking 2000 years ago and beyond, dating to the beginning of human- kind time.
When it comes to human sex trafficking and labor trafficking, could Nebraskans be more like Jesus? Please leave your comments below, I look forward to dialog with you.
We are building a sound booth to create an audiobook version of Traffic Stop: Human Division. We want our donators to know the money used to cover this expense was from our own personal funds. Donations are being used to cover presentation expenses. The 4×6 walls are insulated and sheet rock is secure! Sound equipment and applications to record and edit now have☑️ been checked off on the ‘to-do’ list.
We need adult voice narrators. While we wait for the auditions to take place we will be figuring out the equipment. As always volunteers are needed in all areas. If you have any recommendations for actor voices, please send them our way or suggest the person you have in mind to follow us on Facebook or Instagram to get notifications.
Seth: (adolescent male) is the narrator throughout most of this story. He is the Chimera/spiritual guide for his twin sister, Marley. He is a tender soul who is called to work miracles.
Lupe: (adult female with Spanish accent) Lupe is Guatemalan with Spanish as her first language. She has crossed over into the spirit world throughout most of the novel. She is a teenaged mother who lived only to give birth, then she continued mothering her children from the spirit world.
*Paper Back pg. 102-105, 279 3rd paragraph *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Otis: (older adult male with gravelly voice) Otis is the antagonist of the story. He is a gruff, prejudiced, entitled, and self-righteous manipulator who is addicted to sex, work, and alcohol.
*Paper Back pg. 67-73, 266, 267 *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Young Otis: (childlike voice) – Otis is in purgatory and very vulnerable about where he will end up. He reverts back into a 4-year-old boy who was hurt.
*Paper Back pg. Paragraph *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Young Marley: (adolescent female) – Marley is an angry, abandoned adolescent who has access to all the toys and clothes. She was robbed of her racial and cultural roots. She was robbed of her innocence. She is seeking her identity.
*Paper Back pg. 212-217, 261-paragraph 1-4. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Jane: (Older Caucasian female) – Jane, a southern belle, is in a sexually and emotionally abusive marriage with Otis. She chooses to remain silent because on some level, she is also trafficked into this fraudulent lifestyle. Jane uses perfectionism, control, and over-responsibility to manage her chaotic world.
*Paper Back pg. 238-240, 275-276 *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Layne: (Middle-aged Caucasian male) Layne is Marley’s father and a suicidal mortician who lost the love of his life and hope for his future. In over his head and without support, he has not been coping well.
*Paper Back pg. 193-201. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Linda Lynn: (Middle-aged female) Linda is a witty, intelligent mental health therapist who guides Layne through his worst days.
*Paper Back pg. 43-46, 127-135. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Older Marley: (30-year-old) Marley reclaims her voice and has evolved into a healthier adult.
*Paper Back pg. 288-295. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Hector: (Middle-aged Spanish speaking male) Hector is Lupe’s father who finds himself victimized by Otis’ twisted game. He has much to say and no one wants to listen.
*Paper Back pg. 59-65. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Additional Characters
Robbie: (Caucasian Middle-aged male)- Robbie is Otis’ younger brother who suffers his own demons. Because of a stroke, he is trapped in his mind and is revictimized while Otis confesses all he has done.
*Paper Back pg. 67-73, 78, 169-171,. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Enslaved Girl 1: (adolescent female) one or two lines after being trafficked by Otis.
*Paper Back pg. 56 *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Enslaved Girl 2: (adolescent female) one or two lines after being trafficked by Otis
*Paper Back pg. 56 *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Moe: (20-30 y-o male) – Big dog in Liberty jail, heckling Hector.
*Paper Back pg. 59-64 *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Squeaky: (20-30 y-o male) Moe’s right-hand man who has a squeaky voice, no teeth, super skinny and a meth addict.
*Paper Back pg. 59-61,63-64. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Luis: (Spanish accent male) Interpreter for Hector’s story at the jail.
*Paper Back pg. 65. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Chase: (20-30 y-o Caucasian male) Chase is a young, antisocial “player” who would prey on anyone or do anything to get what he wants.
*Paper Back pg. 116,120. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Secretary of State receptionist: (middle-aged female) Monotoned woman who hates her job.
*Paper Back pg. 56 *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Christina: (20-30 y-o female) High pitched, bubbly, naïve personality who is Otis’ receptionist when he starts to grow an ounce of a conscious.
*Paper Back pg. 143-148. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Dr. Ferguson: (Middle-aged female) Kind female doctor with great bedside manner and comforts a scared teen mother.
*Paper Back pg. 211,213,227. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Officer Blakely: (Female) Woman officer when Marley is found. All business and supportive.
*Paper Back pg. 198, 200201. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Melvin: (Middle-aged male) Hard-ass addiction’s counselor who isn’t easily manipulated.
*Paper Back pg.161-162. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Tess: (Female 30-40 y-o) Tess is Layne’s younger sister who is the first Kennedy to learn of Otis’ abuse even though she has removed herself from the family dynamics. She is focusing on her career as a ballet dance instructor, and is not playing the Kennedy’s antics. She is supportive when she discovers Marley’s feelings of shame.
*Paper Back pg. 240 *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Officer Schmidt: (Middle-aged male)
*Paper Back pg. 196-199. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Felicity: (Female trauma therapist): Felicity is genuine, encouraging, and supportive in repairing the relationship between Marley and Layne.
*Paper Back pg. 219-223. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Ez: (Adolescent male) Ez has ADHD and is excited, full of life, spontaneous, and engaging.
*Paper Back pg. 285-294 *Kindle pg. Paragraph
H-Mo: (Adolescent male) Ez’s twin brother who is guarded, depressed, analytical, and pessimistic.
*Paper Back pg. 285-294. Kindle pg. Paragraph
Guirma: Female with Spanish accent; says it like it is in group therapy.
*Paper Back pg. 244. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Tomas: Male 30’s: Tomas is an attractive, intelligent professional who is confident, yet somewhat awkward when it comes to women.
*Paper Back pg. 288-293. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Jessica Haas: (middle-aged female) Jessica is the first trafficked individual in this story. Bitter, resentful, and vengeful. Minimal lines, but important ones.
*Paper Back pg. 256. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
God: (DEEP Voice, male) God is displayed as a playful, sarcastic Deity with Otis because Otis would not have received the message any other way. Later in the novel, God talks to Seth with mercy, grace, and kindness.
*Paper Back pg. 147, 153-154. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Brecks: (Elderly female) – Brecks is a replica of Betty White. Ornery matchmaker who mettles playfully in other people’s business.
*Paper Back pg. 288-293. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Radiologist: male or female – Professional explanation of ultrasound
*Paper Back pg. 215. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
911 Operator – any gender
*Paper Back pg. 195-196. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Esme: First language Spanish, middle age, nanny
*Paper Back pg. 247. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Shirley: Enslaved girl 3, young teenager
*Paper Back pg. 168. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Radio Announcer: female
*Paper Back pg. 188. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
Sonia: Enslaved girl 4, teenager
*Paper Back pg. 190-191. *Kindle pg. Paragraph
We will be doubling up on some roles, so if you are interested in volunteering for more than one part please let us know. You can schedule your audition here.
We wanted to update our followers about the background noise we have invested our time and energy in this past month. January was filled with presentations and the first live television interview.
First and foremost, we are establishing a 501c3 non-profit organization, Traffic Stop, INC. This entity will be available to provide presentations on Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention. We will also facilitate other mental health and wellness training for companies/organizations, employers, employees, Human Resources Staff, etc.
Topics include;
The establishment of safe coping skills for ongoing aftercare is crucial to supporting individuals who have experienced trauma. This includes providing a nurturing and supportive environment where individuals can learn and practice healthy coping mechanisms. It’s important to create a structured and safe space where individuals can process their emotions, develop resilience, and learn effective ways to manage stress and anxiety.
2. Furthermore, addressing PTSD is essential in both identifying and treating the symptoms. Understanding the nuances of PTSD symptoms and their management is crucial in providing effective care. By implementing evidence-based approaches and therapies, individuals can receive the support they need to navigate the challenges associated with PTSD.
3. Crisis debriefing plays a significant role in addressing and managing trauma. It allows individuals to process and reflect on distressing events, promoting emotional healing and resilience. Providing a supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences and emotions can be pivotal in the journey towards recovery.
4. Trauma-informed care is a foundational aspect of supporting individuals who have experienced trauma. This approach involves recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and understanding potential paths for recovery. By integrating trauma-informed care principles, caregivers and service providers can create a safe and supportive environment that promotes healing and empowerment.
5. Suicide prevention training is a critical component of comprehensive trauma support. By equipping individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge, it’s possible to intervene and provide support to those experiencing thoughts of suicide. This training can empower individuals to recognize warning signs and take appropriate actions to help prevent suicide.
In addition, specialty clinics can be tailored to accommodate specific group needs, offering targeted support and resources. This customization ensures that individuals receive personalized care, addressing their unique experiences and challenges.
The development and implementation of therapeutic group sessions for healing trauma are a proactive step towards comprehensive support. These sessions can provide a communal space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and access valuable resources for their healing journey. Such initiatives foster a sense of belonging and solidarity, contributing to the overall well-being and resilience of the participants.
Ongoing marketing, writing, and editing continue along with meeting the long list of other requirements needed to start a non-profit. With Grace given from above, we have been able to financially stay afloat with the help of donors. If you are willing to donate any amount please visit our GoFundMe page. Thank you to both our families and friends who support us emotionally.
We are looking for support from volunteers like our friends Emily and HuskerBen to keep us sane and organized. Gathering contact information, verbally sharing the novel and facts about Human Trafficking with people you care about, and referring people to us for training opportunities are welcomed! Please remember if you suspect trafficking please call 833-PLS-LOOK (833-757-5665).
We also appreciate any financial support to get this grassroots project off the ground! Thank you to those who have already shown love by donating. We will be applying for grants once the cog in the wheel of legality gets moving beyond a snail’s pace, which could take up to 6 months. Here is the real reason your donations matter: every month in NE, approximately 900 individuals are sold for sex against their will in Nebraska alone.
“Stacey Cahill has spent endless hours in her career as a mental health professional listening to stories of childhood abuse and neglect, human trafficking, suicide, a broken immigration system, grief and loss, substance abuse, and a plethora of other ways humans endure suffering in this world, and she has craftily woven these stories into one family’s saga of trauma and triumph. While Traffic Stop: Human Division is written as fiction, it is full of life’s truths about the darkness and evil in our world, and not just off in some third-world country but right here in small-town America. It highlights the impact of generational trauma on families and shines a light on how we can fix these issues if people are willing to acknowledge this evil and do the work to make real, lasting change. This story is also a beautiful intersection of culture, spirituality, resilience, determination, and emotional intelligence – shining a much-needed light on a massive problem in our world but shining an even brighter light on HOPE. I would venture to guess that most people will read this book and find themes throughout its pages that resonate with them and their loved ones just as I did. I hope that it lights a fire under everyone who reads it to stand against human trafficking and more importantly find ways they can help make a difference. We all live in this world together and when we intentionally come together with love and truth, even the darkest, most evil people cannot win,”
I am enough. I’ve proven stubborn and hard-working to see things I want to come to fruition. I have been an entrepreneur for almost 20 years without employees. The only rejection I’ve experienced professionally is when I don’t click with a potential client. That is a rare occurrence, one where the decision is likely mutual. Thus, the sting of rejection is new to me.
Friday morning, I was riding a natural high like no other. It was like NOTHING could stop Team Traffic Stop. Lisa and I had our first television interview with NTV Good Life. If I do say so myself, it went well. We were badasses sharing our cause. We thought, “Let’s get breakfast and strategize our next move.” So, we took our supportive spouses out for brunch.
A Christian bookstore is near to where Team Traffic Stop was sharing a celebratory meal.
Lisa and I walked into the bookstore with our sales pitch prepared. The owner was excited and purchased five Traffic Stop: Human Division novels on the spot and invited me to join the store next week for a book signing on their anniversary! With our egos a bit more inflated, Lisa and I went into business mode and prepared to get some work done for that event.
Then, I received an email from the owner stating that she should have done more research before her purchase and invitation. She said she would not be supporting the sale of this book or hosting a promotion at her store. She said the novel was not compliant with biblical teachings since I had used words like “chimera” (a scientifically proven human state) and “spiritual guide” (a guardian angel). Additionally, she said from what she read on the back cover, some 5-star reviews, and the few explicit pages in between were too much. She took back her original offer.
I felt like I was the anti-Christ in her eyes when we went back to pick up the books. I said, “I respect your decision. I just wish you would have read the entire novel before you made that judgment call because I believe all Christians need to be aware that child trafficking happens in our communities. And it is ugly. I wanted the reader to understand the perpetrator’s perspective so they would know the signs of people to keep their children away from. I explicitly shared the feelings of a victim because we need to empathize with their pain. If Christians were aspiring to live as Jesus did, we need to do something as Christians to stop modern-day slavery.”
She was visibly shaking. She wanted to exorcize me from her business and all the manipulation/evil I represented to her.
I walked out with my rejected novel (after returning her check to her), feeling deflated and misunderstood. I felt like a vulnerable, abandoned little kid again who knew (without testing the theory by telling an adult) that if I disclosed childhood sexual abuse, no one would want to listen. I felt like the bad one, exposing this act of violence against children.
Childhood sexual abuse, childhood sexual imaging (aka pornography – which it isn’t because pornography implies consent), and human sex trafficking on vulnerable people
HAPPEN. EVERYDAY.
And it breaks our hearts.
It ruins a child’s natural ability to trust another human being and to be in healthy interpersonal relationships. It destroys their sense of safety and whether they want to be in this world where people hurt them. It confuses them sexually. Their greatest gift, the core of who God created them to be, their sexuality, was stolen (manipulated, coerced, or forced).
The picture I want to set your minds of what we are doing is;
We are securing the sandbags (education/awareness) upstream from Niagra Falls to deter the flow of our children falling over the waterfall’s turbulent precipice. We hope this diverts many innocent lives from falling victim to confusion, shame, and fear. Trying to catch the kids as they fall has proven to be ineffective (therapy after the crime takes years) It’s time to do something different (prevent).
Will you join us? We are starting a 501c3, Traffic Stop: Voices Against Human Trafficking. The paperwork may take up to 6 months to clear the slow tides of the law. Please consider
sponsoring us to present free information to communities on how to become more informed about human trafficking, dispel the myths, and become more aware of what to look for so we can prevent another human soul from being engulfed by the pit of the Falls.
Traffic Stop: Human Division 