Pimp-led prostitution is one of the most violent and prolific forms of trafficking found in the US, with hundreds of thousands of women sold annually for commercial gain. Many are branded with tattoos by their traffickers as a sign of ownership and control. After being trafficked for many years of her life in Columbus, Ohio, Jennifer Kempton founded Survivors Ink, a grassroots project that helps formerly trafficked women to cover up their branding with their own symbols of hope and recovery. Hers is a true story of survival, resilience and redemption.
Role: cinematographer, photographer, editor.
This short film is part of the Modern Slavery In Focus project at The Guardian.
Feature published on The Guardian on November, 16, 2014.
Related article and full package.
Related additional published photos online.
Related print magazine feature.