Willow.

Abstract

'Willow' is a story about one of the biggest problems facing humanity today: Human Trafficking. The world's population has never been higher. As a direct result, slavery has been more widespread. 'Willow' is a fictional story about things that can occur when a safety and well-being, either alone, or with others, is compromised. After Willow and her mother escape an abusive father and husband, Willow does not protect herself. Once she has unwittingly let her guard down, something else happens to her that sends her on a downward spiral. It is this event that changes her view of everything, and everyone, around her. 'Willow' addresses the problems associated with human trafficking: the guilt, shame, and trauma that both girls and boys feel. It also concentrates on the empathy the victims have for their captors. The graphic novel is about the hold the captors have on their victims--about how sometimes the victims do not even know they are being victimized. 'Willow' attempts not to concentrate on the negative but instead, shows the reader what can be done to help control, and eradicate, the problem of human trafficking. It aims to raise awareness so people around the world will rally for laws that will discourage the trafficking of innocence. It is a story of sacrifice and of love.