Hello, I’m Adira James.
I am honored to be a Survivor Speaker for Turning Point in Metropolitan Detroit, a Survivor Consultant for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a STAND Fellow with World Without Exploitation, and an Advisory Board Member for a study on Family-Controlled CSEC (FC-CSEC) through the Wellesley Centers for Women.
I’m also an indie author who has written four books!
My first award winning book is a memoir called What They Couldn’t Take: A Memoir of Survival From Familial Sex Trafficking. It was the first time I wrote my story down, but not the first time I have shared it to help other survivors, and to inform and inspire child care professionals. I have connected with health professionals, law enforcement, school social workers and counselors, and others to give recommendations and information through my speeches. In order to advocate for the innocent, I also work to increase the understanding of familial child sex trafficking for organizations that combat child exploitation. I hope to connect with you to continue this effort. Together we can make meaningful change and save as many children as we can!
My second is a children’s book called Teki and the Tricky Stranger: A Baby Power Saves the Day Story, which is a story about 5 cat brothers who learn about a dangerous stranger, how to follow your instincts, and how to find safe adults. Don’t worry… one of these adorable brothers saves the day! The second book in my kids safety series is Smooshy and the Sinister Neighbor: A Baby Power Saves the Day Story. In this book the lessons continue regarding a tricky neighbor down the street.
My fourth book is Sunbeams Through Blankets: An Inspirational Guide to Surviving Familial Sex Trafficking. In this hybrid memoir and self-help book, I share how I survived the abuse, and I discuss many ways for survivors of any trauma to heal and grow based on techniques I have used successfully. In this guide, I hope to galvanize the reader’s inner strength. I believe wholeheartedly that healing isn’t a straight trajectory, and that being a warrior isn’t like being in a race for perfection. Life is fluid, and so is healing. Therefore, being a warrior means you are maneuvering through the maze of life and allowing yourself to work towards present moment happiness. This book speaks to everyone: survivors, therapists, teachers, doctors, law enforcement professionals, social workers, and more. We are all warriors and can make a difference in this battle against child sex trafficking.
To encourage my inner strength, I have a dedicated yoga practice, enjoy gardening, and continue expressing myself through writing and many art disciplines. I am happily married, live with my husband and cat kids in the Detroit area, and have found a new level of peace I am grateful to live in.
Be safe, well, and at peace!
All the best,
Adira
Adira James 