What is our model?
THE FREEDOM STRATEGY
The Freedom Strategy developed by Engage Together® defines all areas of focus that must be addressed simultaneously within your community in order to end human trafficking and to protect the vulnerable. This strategy has been distilled from years of research and countless conversations with those in the field. It is built to scale from local community efforts to the entire global movement, and applies to labor and sex trafficking.
For instance, if we are helping victims exit exploitation without having restoration resources available, then survivors may become victims again. If we are strong in identifying trafficking situations, but our laws are in need of reforms regarding both victims and perpetrators, we have work yet to do. If we are not focused on preventing human trafficking in the first place, vulnerable individuals will continue to be exploited.
PREVENTION
Much of the fight to end human trafficking is won by preventing it in the first place.
In order to PREVENT human trafficking, communities must be made aware that trafficking exists and must be educated about what puts children, youth, and adults at risk in their cities. While there is no one face of a human trafficking victim, certain populations are more vulnerable.
Understanding and addressing factors that lead to vulnerability will aid in preventing exploitation. Further, without demand, human trafficking would not exist. We must address this root problem - in the lives of individuals, in our culture, and in our laws and policies.
IDENTIFICATION
There is much work to be done in this area of focus. Those who are most likely to be in contact with victims - such as law enforcement officers, health care providers, teachers, parents, service industry workers, and others - need training to properly identify and detect a case of trafficking.
Additionally, proactive outreach to vulnerable populations to help them stay safe or seek help is also essential to identify trafficking operations.
EXIT
While it is the responsibility of law enforcement officials to intervene physically and remove victims from dangerous circumstances, community members are needed and positioned to assist in this moment.
Victims of human trafficking have many immediate and critical needs, including temporary shelter for immediate and safe housing; services such as medical, dental, legal, and counseling; and victim advocates who will come alongside and link them to needed resources in the community. Increasing the availability of these resources ensures that every victim of human trafficking receives the instant care they need.
RESTORATION
Survivors of human trafficking, whether upon recovery or after exit, need access to appropriate RESTORATIVE aftercare programs and/or service offerings, tailored to meet the needs of each individual.
The range of care may include medical, psychological, familial, spiritual, educational, housing, and vocational services. Needs differ greatly from adults to minors, and from foreign national to domestic survivors. The end goal, however, is the same - a successful reintegration and a solid foundation upon which to build a healthy, safe, and fulfilling future.
REFORMS
In addition to all the above, we must also take affirmative steps to REFORM our laws and policies, and even entire systems that are in place to care for the vulnerable.
This process requires first becoming informed and then considering how to enact laws and policies that protect victims and deter perpetrators (both traffickers and buyers). It is also critically important to assess whether our policies - at the legislative level and in our own communities - are addressing this issue appropriately. Further, monitoring the impact of reforms is essential to understand whether efforts are successful or need to be further refined and enhanced.
