Rethinking Engagement and
Storytelling in Anti-Trafficking Work:
A Survivor-Led Conversation
This webinar featured three survivors of human trafficking who shared their perspectives on anti-trafficking work and ethical engagement of survivors.
The focus was on their analysis of anti-trafficking efforts, not on their personal stories or trauma.
“What would you like people to know when you are invited to speak or participate in an anti-trafficking event or project?”
No one survivor speaks for all other survivors.
Jess 00:52
Survivors are multidimensional individuals and should not be confined to one type of participation based on assumptions about them and their experience.
Gracia 01:40
“One thing specifically… the difference between trafficking and survival sex work—that’s really important to educate yourself on.”
– Carina
Jess 00:15
Jess 00:45
Carina 00:22
“How do you work in anti-trafficking spaces when people don’t always agree?”
Gracia 00:40
“Just because I don’t agree with someone’s choice doesn’t make it any less valid.”
– Jess
Jess 00:36
Carina 01:32
“Sometimes, survivors are asked to meet specific requirements to take part in anti-trafficking work. What are your general thoughts about these requirements, and what are your recommendations for agencies that have requirements?”
Regarding ‘requirements’ for survivors—who is not ready to engage, the survivor or the agency?
Gracia 00:40
“It’s almost like, as soon as you’re a survivor of human trafficking, well now there’s…these new requirements, but if I were applying for…a regular job and didn’t have to disclose, those requirements wouldn’t even exist.”
– Krystal
Why ‘years out of trafficking’ is not a good measure of safety or stability in a survivor’s life.
Jess 00:44
An agency can engage well with a survivor by giving more creative control and having fewer requirements.
Carina 02:01
“What types of support do you need from agencies, before, during, and after your participation? What kind of support would you like to see that’s not typically offered?”
Survivors deserve adequate preparation and constructive feedback when they engage with an organization.
Gracia 01:13
“Be mindful how you treat survivors who are willing to do the work in this space.”
– Gracia
Survivor engagement is often an afterthought. Compensation should be fair and offered in the same way as with any other expert or professional.
Jess 00:36
Survivors are whole people and don’t want to be constantly analyzed.
Krystal 01:20
It’s important to give survivors choices and be clear and proactive about what support is available.
Carina 01:04
“What are your recommendations for agencies that strongly believe in one particular perspective?”
Agencies can move past stereotypes and reach more people who need support.
Jess 00:53
“Pull up some more chairs, go ask some more survivors, get different perspectives.”
– Jess
You can download a PDF of this resource here.
