Sex Trafficking Survivor, 15, Highlighted Her 'Healing Journey' After Tragedy Through Her Own Art Exhibit (Exclusive) By Toria Sheffield

A 15-year-old sex trafficking survivor is processing her trauma through creativity.

The teen hosted her own art exhibit at the d’Art Center in Norfolk, Va., on Saturday, Jan. 17. There, her exhibit featured large, brightly colored paintings of butterflies and women in flowing gowns.

All profits from the exhibit went directly back to the artist, local news outlet WTKR 3 reported.

The young girl currently resides at The Hallow, which is part of Samaritan House, a nonprofit that provides housing for trafficked youth between the ages of 11 and 17. 

Robin Gauthier, the executive director of Samaritan House, tells PEOPLE the teen “has used art as part of her healing journey.”

“We were honored to support her voice through this art exhibit,” Gauthier continues. “Children shouldn’t have to overcome the revolting things that have been done to them, but they do, and I see it every day. That’s what this exhibit is all about — demonstrating her strength and her ability as a survivor, and sharing it with the people who support her.”

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One woman, who works as the lead behavioral health assistant at The Hallow, told WTKR 3 that she gets emotional when thinking about the 15-year-old’s journey.

“I get choked up sometimes when I think about it because I literally prayed for this. And so to be a part of it, is definitely an honor, and I’m really excited to see what else Samaritan House and The Hollow has for us,” she said.

“To be able to see the resident from the first month [at The Hallow], to being able to, like, host her own art show, is pretty amazing for me …  I’m very proud,” the woman continued.

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The Hallow opened in fall 2024, and it is able to house up to eight people, according to the location’s official website.

The facility is currently working towards building “an outdoor space that will include a therapeutic walking path, mixed-use sports court for basketball and pickleball, a water feature, and meditative spaces,” per its website.

“The community has come together to support these girls, from building The Hallow by Samaritan House to opening the doors and welcoming them in,” Gauthier tells PEOPLE.

She adds, “The program is amazing and has been the most rewarding work I have done in my career. I see the trajectory of children’s lives changing right before my eyes every day. We are so grateful.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.