A Survivor's Secrets: Once Trafficked, Now Free from Feelings of Worthlessness, Fear, and Shame

by Gina Cavallo, Gina Cavallo

In a world where darkness can seem impenetrable, A Survivor’s Secrets emerges as a testament to the indomitable power of the human spirit and the transformative nature of God’s love.

Just as she emerged from years of childhood physical and sexual abuse, Gina Cavallo found herself ensnared for nearly three years in the clutches of human traffickers, enduring the unspeakable horrors of prostitution. After a harrowing escape, Gina spent the next three decades shackled by fear, shame, and a crushing sense of worthlessness as she concealed her painful past―even from her husband. Her tale is ultimately one of resilience, courage, and eventual liberation. Today, Gina is a prominent speaker, advocate, and mentor for survivors of human trafficking. A Survivor’s Secrets will … You will discover God’s astounding power to free anyone of the grip of fear, shame, and worthlessness that holds so many captive. Witnessing Gina’s pathway to recovery becomes a guided tour to inviting God’s brilliant light to penetrate even the darkest memories and traumas that we or our loved ones have been enduring.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography

256 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2024

Reviews

[Sarah Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… this was very eye opening, impactful, emotional, and honest. Gina is very courageous to tell her story in the way she did. She incorporated her faith and how it helped her beautifully. This is a very well written description of the crisis of human trafficking. This story will stay with me for a long time.

[Tenille Tsujimoto · Rating 3 out of 5]

**There is a lot of language in this which may not be suitable for younger audiences. **

When you are feeling bad and terrible about yourself, this book definitely puts you back in your place. What this woman went through is heartwrenching. And she suffered in silence for far too long. She experienced plenty of discrimination due to many thinking she was 'stupid' or clueless. This in turn led her to be taken advantage of from mental, physical and sexual abuse. Some even from close family members. some from sex trafficking and others just from random people preying on her. Despite all of the pain and horror she endured, as part of her healing she finally was able to speak up and start working towards anti-trafficking movements. She doesn't hold back in her thoughts or experiences that she had to endure. As I was reading I kept thinking that she had a hard time but there couldn't be more, and yet she kept going with example after example of all the misfortunes she was faced it. I can only imagine how hard it must have been throughout her life. She provided a great example of not only resilience but also that you can heal and thrive after facing trauma in your life.

[Shelley Marushak Langelaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first want to thank Ms. Cavallo for her courage and for being brave in telling her story. Unfortunately this is a much needed resource for those with children and teens and for those working alongside children and teens. The author was direct yet also showed compassion when sharing her experiences with human trafficking. I work as an addiction counselor (for over 30 years now) and have met many women who have been abused and almost killed by those who have taken them as prey. The author not only shares her experiences but also shares her hope for those who are also in the same predicament. I appreciated the resources and the practical things to look for and do at the end of the book. Grateful for Ms. Cavallo’s healing — May her story bring healing to others as well.

Thank you NetGalley — the publisher and the author for a copy of this magnificent story of healing. All opinions are my own.

[Louise Murray]

Gina Cavello’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith. After sharing the emotional abuse and shame of a troubled childhood, Gina shares just enough of her three years being trafficked to show us the profound trauma she experienced . She then shows how a deeper understanding of her faith made it possible for her to heal and thrive. Gina concludes her story by talking about how her faith continues to energize her as she educates youth and caregivers about human trafficking and advocates at the state and federal level for change.

Anyone interested in understanding how individuals can not only heal but thrive after trauma can learn a lot from Gina's story.

[✨ ੈ✩‧April ♡ ʚ♡⃛ɞ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Survivor's Secrets: Once Trafficked, Now Free from Feelings of Worthlessness, Fear, and Shame" by Gina Cavallo is a powerful and deeply moving testament to the human spirit's resilience. Cavallo's candid narrative not only sheds light on the harrowing realities of human trafficking but also inspires with her journey of recovery and empowerment. Her ability to transform pain into a message of hope is nothing short of remarkable. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a profound understanding of survival and the triumph of self-worth over trauma. Cavallo's story is an inspiring beacon of strength and courage.

[Emily Almufti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving & honest. I tore through this book in 3 sittings. It was really easy to read & keep turning the pages.

One woman’s story of coming from a childhood wrought with learning disability, feeling unloved, seeking approval in others, & being groomed to accept abuse, to setting out on her own as a 19 yo only to be abducted into human trafficking & lose herself to this for 3 years… to finding her way back home & facing addiction… to recovering & ultimately finding healing & purpose.

The thread of faith interwoven through the terrible tale of being trafficked & abused was so honest & touching.

I will absolutely be passing this book along to many women in my life.

[Edmund Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Human trafficking is a critical public health issue that needs more attention and addressing. I had the honor of listening to Gina Cavallo's story firsthand and reading her book from when she was invited to talk to our Human Trafficking 101 class. It is a powerful story of a survivor who is not afraid to show their vulnerability if it is to help other victims and survivors free themselves from the guilt, suffering, and trauma they experienced while trafficked. It is an eye-opening book that I would recommend to everyone to expose themselves to this health crisis. Please give this book a read.

[Jody Viviani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in a day and a half. Gina depicted her life so eloquently. No mention of anything in graphic detail. But I can tell you this that on page 202 my life was impacted by this book. It opened my eyes to make me realize someone in my life that abused me mentally still had control. I am forever thankful to God for having her friend Marianne, who is mentioned in the book join my summer Bible study.

[aldina o’neil hovde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so beautifully written, which had to be a challenge given the subject matter. The way Gina tells her story and vacillates between the various periods of time in her life is nothing short of extraordinary. And Gina, you should know that you are far from stupid. You are brilliant and amazing and anyone who truly knows you knows that. ❤️

[Michele Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource about sex trafficking, and how to teach your kids to be aware of dangers

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one I'm still thinking about two weeks later. My heart goes out to the author for all she went through, starting as a child, but I love how she doesn't allow herself to grow bitter. I love how she talks about a real relationship with Christ and finding her identity in Christ as well. That she began the healing process after realizing the difference between a relationship with Christ and simply religion. She is inspirational and this was a book I will remember for a long time.