Sonny Von Cleveland shares his story of being trafficked by his mother from the time he was three until he was twelve, surviving years of abuse, and growing up without the intervention or support he needed. As a child, getting into trouble became an unexpected form of safety, eventually leading him into the juvenile justice system and then prison at sixteen, where he was SAed during his first week. In the years that followed, Sonny became involved in gangs and violence, returned to prison with fifteen additional felonies, and eventually found himself facing years in solitary confinement.
It was there that an unlikely friendship with a man in the cell across from him forced Sonny to confront the anger, trauma, and harm that had shaped so much of his life. Through that relationship, Sonny began taking responsibility for the pain he had caused while finding a way to give purpose to the pain he had survived. After spending a total of eighteen years incarcerated, he rebuilt his life through music, storytelling, advocacy, and a commitment to helping others. Today, Sonny works in the fight against child trafficking and exploitation, using both his lived experience and his voice to educate families, support survivors, and help protect the children he says deserve the intervention he never had.
Sonny’s Links:
https://www.instagram.com/sonnyvonclevelandofficial
https://www.tiktok.com/@sonnyvoncleveland
https://www.youtube.com/@sonnyvonclevelandofficial
https://www.sonnyvoncleveland.com
https://linktr.ee/sonnyvonclevelandofficial
Sonny’s Book - Hey White Boy: Conversations of Redemption
Our Rescue
Sonny’s Podcast - Unlikely Allies: Inside Our Fight - Coming Soon!
https://ourrescue.org/unlikelyallies
Resources:
National Grooming Prevention Hotline
623-688-3214
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988
RAINN
24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline
1-800-656-HOPE
Beyond the Monsters Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters
https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters
Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.
Topic: Fight Against Child Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Childhood Trauma, Prison Trauma, CSA,
Child Exploitation Prevention
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