How to Help

Assisting a Survivor

Every survivor’s situation is complex and may vary from others. There are many control and intimidation tactics that traffickers use to keep them trapped. Survivors could be going through different types or stages of abuse, control, and manipulation. This is why I encourage you not to make assumptions about an individual’s circumstances.

Gaining a survivor's trust may be challenging and require patience and understanding. It is critical to listen to what they have to say, help them with what they need at that moment, and not push or force them into making decisions. It is essential for someone who has had their freedom taken away to know they can make their own choice.

When my family encouraged me to flee from my trafficker, a few key things that helped me were:

• Love and gentleness

• Active listening

• Empathy

• Patience and understanding

• Non-judgmental words

• Non-forceful actions

These words and actions were invaluable to my escape because I needed to be assured that I would be safe, loved, and understood if I ran for my life. I also needed assurance that I wouldn’t feel forced into anything after not having free will for so long. Many survivors are beyond broken; they’ve lost their identity and feel like empty shells. That is why encouragement and reminding them who they are is vital.