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
Sep142023
Sameer Jain

Episode 4: Sameer Jain

In this episode, we Imagine Freedom with Sameer Jain. Sameer is a survivor of labor trafficking. He also is an immigrant who The Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center had the…

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STAC Blog Making a Lasting Impact 0823

How I’m Making a Lasting Impact with STAC | Student Internship

My name is Camari Simpson. I was born and raised in Orlando, and currently live in Tallahassee as I’m attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in pursuit of my Criminal Justice/Legal Studies degree. Upon finishing my degree, I will be attending law school to further pursue a career in public policy and the legal system.

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Aug72023
How I’m Helping to End Human Trafficking with STACPRO

FSU Student Internship: How I’m Helping to End Human Trafficking with STACPRO

As the summer season unfolds, it is essential that we come together as a community to address a grave issue that affects countless lives around the world: human trafficking. Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center’s (STAC) Anti-Trafficking Business Training, designed to equip workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and combat human trafficking. Today, I want to share my experience and shed light on this important initiative.

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