How we help fight for justice

Human Trafficking is the illegal sale of human beings using force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation and/or forced labor.

The Salvation Army is deeply committed to the modern-day fight against human trafficking (for sexual and labor purposes) and forms of commercial sexual exploitation innately linked to sexual trafficking. The Salvation Army firmly believes that the abuse and exploitation of human beings through any form of human trafficking is an offense against humankind and against God. This belief, combined with our mission to meet human needs in His name without discrimination, motivates us to work vigilantly for the prevention of human trafficking and for the restoration of survivors.

Human trafficking is contrary to the principles of freedom and dignity. The exploitation of human beings dehumanizes the individuals who are trafficked, rewards the inhumanity of the traffickers, and weakens the moral and social fabric of society at large. The Salvation Army is opposed to the corrupt abuse of power against other human beings that is inherent in trafficking for personal economic gain. We, therefore, have the responsibility, both individually and collectively, to work for the liberation of those who have been enslaved in this manner, and to establish the legal and social mechanisms by which human trafficking can be stopped.

Specialized Case Management: To meet survivors’ needs, a long-term, individualized, three-phase case management program has been developed where the survivor meets one-on-one with a Survivor Support Specialist who works in collaboration with local community agencies that assist us in supporting survivors. The three phases, Strengthen, Heal, and Revitalize, ensure that each survivor is setting and achieving desired goals while working towards self-sufficiency. The first phase, Strengthen, allows the survivor to work on stabilizing their housing and income. During the second phase, Heal, survivors are working on spiritual and therapeutic recovery. This incorporates traditional mental/behavioral/trauma therapy with the survivor’s religious or spiritual beliefs, as applicable.  The survivor is also learning and growing in the area of healthy work and personal relationships.  In the last phase, Revitalize, the survivor is slowly reintegrating into the community which may include attending community events, recovery meetings, local sports, etc. 
 
Food, Clothing, Shelter, and Financial Assistance are available for survivors to ease their journey and support their path to self-sufficiency. Financial assistance can include rent, utilities, medical/dental expenses, transportation, education, job training, and other expenses vital to meeting a survivor’s needs.
 
Community Training and Education: Program staff coordinate community outreach efforts which consist of developing partnerships with law enforcement, other social service agencies, and community resources, and educating the community on human trafficking and the barriers that survivors face. 
 
Street Outreach: An outreach team that consists of support specialists and trained volunteers who carry out routine street outreaches for the purpose of identifying victims of trafficking to provide hope, information, and services to those still in the grips of trafficking.

National Hotline: 888.373.7888