Good evening, friends and colleagues,
Amid so much going on in January, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to anyone who may know the Black Hawk military team or American Airlines crew and passengers. So many families have been impacted by this crash, the wildfires in CA, and the lingering storm impacts along the East Coast.
As National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month comes to an end, we are pleased to provide victim service provider (VSP) data that addresses critical gaps in anti-trafficking work, along with recommendations for improvement. For anyone serving in this movement, we are familiar with many of these gaps and know the importance of addressing them productively and efficiently.
Across the United States, in each state, and around the globe, passionate stakeholders work tirelessly every day to advance counter-trafficking efforts to help victims and survivors of all forms of human trafficking. However, despite the collaborative work, recent data from a small sample of victim service providers indicate that only 48% felt that the anti-trafficking movement was heading in the right direction. On any given day, social media includes anti-trafficking references to areas that are broken, exploitive, divisive, and unproductive. Especially in January, we highlight the impact of each organization while privately acknowledging the ongoing challenges we continue to navigate in our commitment to providing the best possible care for human trafficking survivors and supporting victims as they escape or exit their exploitation.
Our hope is that the "Beyond the Mission: Addressing Critical Gaps in Anti-Trafficking Work" paper will resonate with many in this movement who know real change is needed, as multi-disciplinary conversations and collaborations need to be formed to address many, many challenges. This paper shares frontline data from ally- and survivor-led organization leaders. Many of us may identify with some of the research findings and recommendations provided. As with our full NOST report, this paper includes data visualizations and data highlighted for those who may not have the time to read the content. We also include permission-based feedback from survivors and service providers. However you review this, we hope it is informative and encouraging as calls for systematic changes continue to be made.
We address some real issues faced by those on the front lines, including re-exploitation of survivors, funding shortages, turf wars, accreditation, personal impacts of serving, PTSD, and other impacts. As an example, 79% of VSPs said they have experienced trauma by working in the anti-trafficking movement, and 5% said they prefer not to answer. While this reflects a small sample of VSPs, my 15 years in this movement and conversations with many of you about your experiences suggest that these research findings will resonate with a broad audience reviewing the data. So United Against Slavery is pleased to provide "Beyond the Mission," addressing critical gaps in the anti-trafficking movement.
In the midst of many uncertainties all around us in this season, know how much you are appreciated! We are stronger when we work together. Onward.
Christi Wigle, CEO
United Against Slavery
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