National Survivor Network to Brief Congress on Criminalization of Survivors of Human Trafficking


A panel from the National Survivor Network will brief Congress on the criminalization of survivors of human trafficking. On January 21, 2016, a group of six survivors and service providers will provide their perspective on the issue.

The criminalization of survivors is a serious issue. Victims are often too afraid to go to the police or another group that can help them escape their situation. As a result, some victims face arrest and conviction in an effort to protect their traffickers.

Service providers call this a “trauma bond” or “Stockholm syndrome.”

When victims do escape, they often find themselves with criminal records. This can make it difficult to find legitimate employment, and can put them at risk for re-victimization.

The panel will address this issue, and make suggestions for systemic and policy changes that could help survivors move forward with their lives.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of human trafficking struggling financially, The Enitan Story offers a Sewing Empowerment Program. Please contact The Enitan Story at info@entian.org.