News

September 1st, 2024

RESTORE

In our previous blog, we introduced the first "R" in our SA Program Model, REFUGE. Our upcoming content will focus on the second "R" in the SA Program Model.

The Second R stands for "RESTORE."

Human trafficking and sexual exploitation are horrific crimes that leave deep scars on survivors. Survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation are highly likely to experience mental health issues such as depression, severe anxiety, PTSD, personality disorders, attachment issues, and addiction. They need their lives restored through appropriate care and support to enable them to have true freedom.

It's common for people to blame victims for their past experiences rather than trying to understand their behavior and actions. Many assume that simply freeing victims from their abuser or culprit is enough to help them recover. However, the trauma and fear that they face even after being rescued are often beyond our understanding. Victims may be physically free, but they can still feel trapped and imprisoned mentally, making it difficult for them to live a normal life. The mental health challenges the victims of sexual exploitation suffer are very significant, and it is not just about their internal thoughts but also about how others treat them.

People with certain characteristics or differences often face harsh judgment and societal discrimination. They are often deprived of opportunities and feel insecure and isolated. This constant struggle to survive and be accepted can take a toll on their mental and emotional health.

For survivors of sexual exploitation to live normal and happy lives, they require assistance in solving their emotional puzzles. We all need to discuss the pain within ourselves to facilitate healing, and individuals who have experienced trauma require someone to listen to their pain and stand beside them during their journey to restore their stolen value, identity, and freedom.

The SA Foundation is dedicated to helping women and girls recover what has been taken from them. Our program is designed to offer all participants hope and a better future. We provide expert guidance and create a supportive community that fosters a safe and empowering environment for all participants. A healthy environment helps promote growth and healing among all our participants.

Without access to the necessary resources to address their physical, mental, and emotional traumas, individuals may find themselves being pulled back into their old ways of life, even though it is not the best choice for them. It can feel like being trapped in quicksand, making it difficult to move forward without support from others.

It is a sad reality that many women are trapped in sexual exploitation and feel utterly hopeless and fearful. To help us understand the trauma and conditions of these women, Covenant House Toronto has compiled a list of shared experiences. Below are some of those experiences that shed light on the severity of the situation:

- The trafficker provides and controls all needs, such as love, food, money, shelter, etc.
- The victim may have an intense, often romantic attachment to the trafficker (trauma bond).
- Employment options can be limited for victims in the "mainstream world" because they may lack education, work experience, etc.
- Victims often come to believe that the only person they can trust is the trafficker.
- Victims battle with feelings of hopelessness connected to needing to start again without resources or support.
- Victims face judgment from service providers, friends and family, and/or their community.
- Those judgments are internalized into shame and self-blame for their current situation.
- A victim may not think or realize they need help due to the trauma bond they may form with the trafficker.
- Victims may have experienced various forms of trauma throughout their lives, including poverty, neglect, and abuse. That experience of trauma continues while they are being trafficked and can impact their worldview, the way they see themselves, and their overall mental health.
- Fear of retaliation against themselves and/or family.
- Fear of not being believed by others.
- Fear of the unknown, including how to re-enter mainstream life.
- Victims are often isolated from their social support network by the trafficker.
- Victims often don't know where to seek help, or help isn't available in their communities.
(Source: covenanthousetoronto.ca/traffick-stop/why-victims-cant-leave)

Thanks to your invaluable contribution, we can provide essential resources to empower women and their children worldwide. We are deeply grateful for your support. As our beloved founder used to say, "We are the truck, and you are the fuel." Without your help, we cannot continue our mission to make a real difference in the lives of those in need.

So, consider joining our community of like-minded people who want to see true freedom for those women whose hope was taken away so aggressively and violently. Join our Liberty Collective today and receive updates on what is happening in the life of the SA Global Network.

https://www.safoundation.com/give