Brittany Figlar’s life has been a tumultuous journey from victim to vocal advocate against human trafficking. Her story, marked by profound struggles and remarkable resilience, has become a powerful force in raising awareness across Northeast ohio.
Figlar’s advocacy work is rooted in her personal experiences. After enduring 15 years of trafficking by multiple perpetrators, she turned her pain into purpose. Her mission is to educate the public and professionals about the reality of human trafficking challenging common misconceptions and systemic failures.
Breaking the Silence: Brittany Figlar’s Early Life and Trauma
Figlar’s ordeal began in her childhood home in Elyria. At the ages of 12 and 14, she was sexually assaulted by her uncle, a trauma that left her feeling isolated and ashamed. The legal process that followed was equally harrowing, with her uncle eventually pleading guilty to two first-degree felony rape counts in May 2005 and receiving a five-year sentence.
The aftermath of the trial left Figlar feeling abandoned by her family and community. Her struggles with identity and self-worth were compounded when she came out as gay and became homeless at 15. Seeking refuge, she found herself in a dangerous living situation with a much older man, which ultimately led to an unplanned pregnancy. Despite the challenges, she chose to raise her son, William, who is now 16 and a source of pride for her.
Navigating the System: Figlar’s Encounters with Authority
Figlar’s attempts to rebuild her life were met with further obstacles. She pursued education and employment, but her past continued to haunt her. Her experiences with law enforcement and the medical profession were fraught with systemic failures that left her feeling unsupported and betrayed.
In 2015, she was laid off from a job at a podiatrist’s office after disclosing her past. Later, she worked for another doctor, Aly Zewail, whose license was suspended due to substance abuse and unethical practices. Figlar’s refusal to testify against Zewail led to her arrest and a temporary loss of custody of her son. These experiences underscored the need for systemic change and better support for survivors.
Turning Pain into Purpose: Figlar’s Advocacy Work
In 2026, after her third trafficker was sentenced to nearly 200 years in prison, the longest sentence for trafficking in Ohio, Figlar dedicated herself to raising awareness. She joined the Survivor Advisory Council for the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking and serves as its Secretary.
Figlar’s ability to articulate her story has made her a sought-after speaker and educator. She trains healthcare professionals, including medical-surgical nurses at MetroHealth Medical Center nursing students at Kent State University and EMS trainees at the Cleveland Clinic Twinsburg campus. She also instructs police cadets at Lorain County Community College and assists in training law students at Case Western Reserve University’s Human Trafficking Law Clinic.
Figlar’s work is driven by a deep sense of purpose. She aims to give a voice to other survivors and challenge the pervasive myths surrounding human trafficking. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of advocacy to effect change.
