The Hidden Connection Between Human Trafficking and Animal Exploitation: A Survivor’s Perspective - Why Im vegan now

The Hidden Connection Between Human Trafficking and Animal Exploitation: A Survivor’s Perspective - Why Im vegan now

For those who haven’t experienced human trafficking, the brutal reality might be difficult to understand. But let me draw a parallel: if we really start to see the connection between the way humans are exploited and the way animals are exploited, maybe we’ll open our eyes to the truth.

As a human trafficking survivor, I spent 1-2 years in a relationship with a Danish man, 10-12 years older than me, in his 30s, who claimed he loved me. That time felt like eternal hell—not many years, but just enough for him to break me down completely. He provided me with food and clothes of that money, yet it was his and he controlled every aspect of my life. He would tell me that he cared for me, but his actions spoke the opposite. He used the money he made from selling me to buy me things, all to maintain his control over me and keep me dependent on him ,  while he used most of it. And just like in the meat industry, he justified his abuse with the lie, “I’m doing this for you/providing for you, said: I love you. But we know that abuse is never love.

The turning point came on a day that exposed his manipulation and lies. When my cat—my only family at the time—stepped in to protect me, he claimed he had only “gently pushed her away” when I shouted, “Don't touch my cat!” He insisted that he never hit, raped, or sold me, even going as far as to say that we did everything together. But as his drug addiction and manipulative tactics unraveled that day, the truth became undeniable. We ended up in a physical fight, and for the first time, I managed to scare him a bit back, cause there comes a time both for man and beast where they get enough. His attempt to disguise his violence made it clear: I had to get out—not just for my own safety, but to protect her, the only being who actually had shown me unconditional love, this man was not able to. 

What’s hard for many people to understand is how he applied his twisted logic selectively. He already had a Danish girlfriend with a child before me, and he claimed to love her too. Yet, he never hurt her the way he hurt me. That’s when I realized he saw right and wrong but chose to apply it only to those he deemed “worthy.” I was seen as nothing more than the pig—“clean meat to eat”—while she was treated like the pet dog, a cherished companion from his own country. Just as in Denmark, where society accepts eating pigs but not dogs, he selectively chose which lives to value based on cultural biases. He could never do what he did to me to someone he thought was more equal—a woman from his own country. Or the mother of his child?

Many people who claim they love animals will defend industries that exploit them, saying, “It’s just part of life”, “It’s not that bad,” I payed, I didn't kill/make her a prostitude, as though violence use And abuse is acceptable when money is involved.

But I know the truth. The once who have ears to hear, know the truth in their hearts. 

The milk industry is exploitation too—pure and simple. And those same people ignoring the killing of animlas and the insimination and seed tapping proces, are often the ones who turn a blind eye to human trafficking. They claim they care, yet when faced with the harsh reality, they make excuses to support the system: “It’s just the way things are,” or “It wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t necessary.” Some think sex is necessary to servive, others think blood and flesh is.

I had my own blinders on once too, before I turned vegan at the age of 24. Now I see the correlation between the treatment of animals and the treatment of humans. I can no longer ignore that the violence, control, and exploitation I endured mirrors the violence inflicted on animals for profit—whether it’s for meat, milk, or any other form of exploitation.

I encourage anyone reading this to watch documentaries like Dominion, Earthlings, or Cowspiracy or Christspiracy to see for yourself how deeply these industries are linked to human trafficking and animal exploitation. In the words of Dr. Milton Mills:
"The exploitation of animals for food and the exploitation of people are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are intimately connected."

This message isn’t just about compassion for animals—it’s about humanity. It’s about understanding that mercy and compassion extend to all creatures, and that when we turn a blind eye to the suffering of others, we perpetuate a cycle of violence. Whether it’s the cows in factory farms or the women in the sex industry —both are victims of a system that sees them as things for Profit and disposable.

God first planted mercy in me for the animals, and only later did I realize that He also has mercy for me. And it’s not just about surviving but about living with purpose. To open eyes, share the truth, and call others to  make a change too. No one should have to endure violence, whether from a human trafficker (like that internet boyfriend turning pimp) or from an industry that profits on death and suffering like dehorning of cows. My story, like so many others, needs to be heard, because I am lucky to be alive—not just for me, but for the animals who have no voice.

I had to survive those years, and after running from him, I ended up homeless again—but I was finally free. I will never be a slave again, nor will I ever accept or support slavery in any form—whether it’s the trafficking of women or the exploitation of animals. It’s time for all of us to stand up and preach about these injustices. Matthew 9:13 tells us that God desires mercy, and that mercy should extend to all. We must open our eyes and speak out for those who cannot.

If you’re still supporting industries that harm both humans and animals, take a moment to reflect. We can all do better. Choose mercy, choose compassion. Don’t let the blindness of indifference control your actions. We were all made to care for each other and for the lest of Gods little pigs cows chicken or sheep.

Nat the Vegangelist 

Natalia Magdalena Botvinjevs