Background:

Survivors are often asked questions regarding their experience. It’s understandable for those who haven’t experienced the same traumas to wonder how they could ever end up in these situations. However, we must understand each of our experiences are different and we truly don’t know how we’d ever respond to certain dangerous situations until we are faced with them. Listening to survivors helps us understand and do better in the movement.

Action: Learn from Survivors

• Check out this interview with Lived Experience Leader Rayanne Irving about her response when it comes to getting questions about her experience and how we should go about asking questions while interacting with survivors who are willing, open, and wanting to engage so we can learn more. Note: While Rayanne is excited and willing to share, remember not everyone cares to disclose their stories. You should never push to get answers from people.

Action: Learn from Survivors

• The more we can listen and learn about experiences, the better advocates and allies we can be! Mandy Long shares her experience in her post, ‘Boiling Them Slowly’.

Action: Advocate for survivors

• Next time you hear someone talk negatively about survivors or ask questions like this, use it as an opportunity to bring awareness to others about how trafficking really works!

• Keep getting donations, the campaign is nearly over!