A Survivor's Journey from Trauma to Advocacy

March 12, 2025

In the depths of our darkest experiences sometimes lies the seed of our greatest purpose. Nate Lewis's story demonstrates how personal wounds, when acknowledged and healed, can become wellsprings of strength and compassion for others.

When trauma touches lives at a young age, it often shapes paths in ways not fully comprehended until years later. For Nate Lewis, founder of The Innocent, a nonprofit fighting child sex trafficking and exploitation, this journey from victim to advocate exemplifies how personal pain can transform into powerful purpose.

The Silence of Childhood Trauma

"I kept it buried for so long, but it affected everything, my choices, my safety, my entire world," Lewis recently shared on the "Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast," revealing how sexual abuse at just 12 years old set him on a troubling path.

"I didn't even know what sex was at that time. I hadn't had the talk with my parents, and sex education wasn't even a thing in my school yet," he explained.

Like many young victims, Lewis was manipulated into silence by his abuser, a family acquaintance. "The attacker told me it was normal, and he threatened me, told me not to tell anyone. So, I didn't."

This silence would last over twenty years, with the unprocessed trauma quietly influencing every aspect of his life.

When Trauma Takes Control

The weight of carrying such secrets often manifests in self-destructive behaviors, a pattern all too familiar to trauma survivors.

"I thought I had it under control, but in reality, it was controlling me. My relationships, my career, my choices, everything was affected," Lewis shared.

His testimony highlights a heartbreaking reality in America: more than 550,000 children are known to authorities as abuse victims. In 2022 alone, child welfare agencies investigated cases involving over 7.5 million children.

Perhaps most troubling is what Lewis emphasizes about victim-perpetrator relationships: "Over 90% of victims know their perpetrators. It's why so many children don't speak up, they're afraid, confused, and often still care about the person hurting them."

The Breaking Point

For Lewis, unresolved trauma led to reckless behavior that nearly cost him everything.

"I drank excessively. I put myself in dangerous situations because I didn't care what happened to me," he admitted.

One such situation, being "abducted at gunpoint during a gang initiation in Los Angeles", became the wake-up call that would ultimately change his life's direction.

"It woke me up. I knew I had to take control of my life, face my past, and use my experiences to help others," Lewis recalled.

Turning Pain into Purpose

Today, Lewis's nonprofit, The Innocent, partners with law enforcement to combat child exploitation and trafficking.

"We provide law enforcement with cutting-edge training, technology, and operational support. Our goal is to increase arrests, improve conviction rates, and ultimately, save lives," Lewis explained.

What makes their approach unique is the combination of practical expertise from active-duty officers with Lewis's personal insight as a survivor, creating a powerful force for change in the fight against child exploitation.

A Message of Hope

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of Lewis's story is the message it sends to other survivors still trapped in silence or shame:

"Survivors don't have to be defined by their past. Yes, trauma changes you, but it doesn't have to destroy you. It can shape you into someone stronger, someone who fights back."

By sharing his journey on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, available for free on their website, also Apple Podcasts, Spotify and most major podcast platforms, Lewis extends a lifeline to those who may be struggling with similar experiences.

"If I can help even one person break free from their past, then it's all worth it," he says.

If you or someone you know has experienced childhood sexual abuse, remember that help is available, and you are not alone. Sharing your story might be the first step toward not only healing but potentially toward a purpose greater than you can currently imagine.