From Sex-Trafficking to Leadership

Sex-trafficking survivors are getting help to turn around their fortunes and find leadership roles. And research has examined ways to assist in this critical goal.

Eleven women who were sex-trafficked and have since joined the anti-trafficking movement in leadership roles attended a one-day institute to assist them in developing critical skills they had stated were necessary — which included improving their public speaking and ability to lead. This institute was part of a study to see if it would indeed help these survivors. 

The women in question needed to meet the following criteria:

• They must have met the criteria for a sex trafficking victim at some point.
• They also must be currently engaged in a leadership role in the anti-trafficking movement in some capacity.

These women completed a baseline survey before attending the eight-hour institute focused on public speaking and leadership skills. Afterward, they took a post-institute survey. The results indicated in an improvement in their skills.

This is critically important for many survivors because there is no one who is more prepared to help social workers, law enforcement officers, politicians, judges, medical professionals, legislators, the government, etc. to better identify, serve, assist and protect other victims.

In addition, this training can help survivors improve their self-esteem and self-efficacy by teaching them how to present themselves in the eyes of the public (e.g., proper dress code), which is critical as well.

If you or someone you know is being trafficked, do not hesitate to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline, toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-373-7888. Support is provided in more than 200 languages.