Understanding the Impact

Human traffickers thrive during crises

Every crisis makes people more vulnerable to labor and sex trafficking because of the disruptions to daily life – whether it is the loss of a home, job or access to health care or being unable to connect with support networks of friends and co-workers. These disruptions are especially devastating to those who are already vulnerable and hanging on financially. They become desperate for any way to earn money and survive.

As one trafficking survivor said recently, “Before COVID-19, we were ‘low-wage, low-skilled’ workers, but now, we are ‘essential.’”

However, this new label, “essential,” has not resulted in better pay or job security — quite the opposite, and this is where traffickers can enter the picture.

Trends in Human Trafficking and COVID-19

  • Police and child protection reports are down
  • Risks to online exploitation higher – especially for youth
  • Traffickers isolate victims
  • Travel is restricted
  • Millions out of work
  • Economic challenges greater for women, minorities and under-resourced populations
  • Higher than average unemployment, evictions and displacements
  • Options limited if survivors are exposed to or have COVID-19
  • Justice system impacts
Additional Resources
Jun292023
Resources for LGBTQ Pride Month Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center

6 LGBTQ Resources for Pride Month and Beyond

June is Pride Month, a period dedicated to honoring and celebrating the diverse identities and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. This annual observance has grown in significance, serving as a powerful reminder of the progress we have made toward equality, equity, and inclusion, while also highlighting the ongoing violence and other challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals face, including discrimination, misconceptions, and abuse by their peers, family members, and society. Traffickers target these vulnerabilities and that is why we need to keep a focus on supporting the LGBTQ community all year long.

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Jun72023
STAC Blog Imagine Freedom New Featured Image 0623 (1)

Hear from Trafficking Survivors on Our New Podcast

The Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC) is excited to share the release of our new podcast, Imagine Freedom where we hear directly from human trafficking survivors, or “lived-experience” experts. More than anyone, they can dispel the many myths and misconceptions about sex and labor trafficking and help to fortify our communities against traffickers. Together, we can imagine freedom from sex and labor trafficking for everyone, once and for all.

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