Tell a story; free your soul by Emily Pattullo

I read a piece, recently, by a victim of sex trafficking. It’s written like a story rather than a news article, so instead of being accosted by graphic images and shocking headlines, I was drawn in slowly, unaware of what awaited me. And before I knew it the story had my full and undivided attention; I couldn’t look away, despite the horror of what I was reading. I had been mesmerised by a swaying cobra, unable to jump out of the way before it struck.

And as it struck, I realised how the effect of a story can differ so radically from that of a news article about similar issues. Of course, much of it has to do with that particular story being autobiographical, but there were no flashing lights or sirens blaring, shouts through a loudhailer or violent explosions, it was merely the unassuming voice of one man, once a boy and victim to unimaginable cruelty.

I understand the importance of shock treatment, the initial pulse that sparks us into reacting, but I find that it takes regular and consistent shocks, in increasing waves, to really get the heart pumping. Whereas, often with a story that sets the scene and builds slowly, there is more of an awakening to it; an unwitting empathy as you grow to love and care about the people involved.

That story has stayed with me ever since I read it. It creeps into my subconscious at the most inopportune moments, such as when I’m playing with my children. And it’s unwelcome in many ways, and yet I’m grateful for the continued reminder of how lucky I am, and I realise that the very least I can do is spread the awareness of such horrific suffering through my own writing. Because whilst it’s hard for many people to talk openly about challenging issues, writing can give them a voice and a vessel through which to tell their story, one which otherwise may not be heard.

“Storytelling reveals meaning without committing the error of defining it.” – Hannah Arendt

The Prayer of a Sex Trafficked Child (link: http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/heart-without-compromise-children-and-children-wit/2012/nov/8/prayer-sex-trafficked-child/#.UJxpy01_rnA.twitter)

Emily Pattullo is an editor and writer, with expertise in the global crime of child trafficking and prostitution. She is the author of Ring Around Rosie, and writes for various publications, as well as being a regular contributor for Brit Writers.

www.emilypattullo.com