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Faces of Human Trafficking Blog Posts

In 2015, The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) launched the “Faces of Human Trafficking” (FOHT) training series to raise awareness and educate the public about the impact of human trafficking. This comprehensive series included nine powerful videos and discussion guides that delved into various aspects of trafficking. These materials provided crucial insights into understanding the crime, offering effective victim services, and addressing the legal needs and rights of victims. Most importantly, the series amplified the voices of survivors, sharing beyond hard experiences and showcasing inspiring resilience. 

Over the past ten years, the foundations laid by this series have remained, while encouraging new pathways to emerge, driving forward efforts against trafficking. We invite you to read blog posts from some of the original participants, reflecting on the series and sharing their perspectives on the future of the anti-trafficking sector.  As we review the progression of our initiatives, from the FOHT series to the current state of awareness and survivor-led programs, it is important to recognize the impact of our collective effort to continue to question, challenge, and develop our response to the needs of every community impacted by exploitation.

In 2015, The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) launched the “Faces of Human Trafficking” (FOHT) training series to raise awareness and educate the public about the impact of human trafficking. This comprehensive series included nine powerful videos and discussion guides that delved into various aspects of trafficking. These materials provided crucial insights into understanding the crime, offering effective victim services, and addressing the legal needs and rights of victims. Most importantly, the series amplified the voices of survivors, sharing beyond hard experiences and showcasing inspiring resilience. 

Over the past ten years, the foundations laid by this series have remained, while encouraging new pathways to emerge, driving forward efforts against trafficking. We invite you to read blog posts from some of the original participants, reflecting on the series and sharing their perspectives on the future of the anti-trafficking sector.  As we review the progression of our initiatives, from the FOHT series to the current state of awareness and survivor-led programs, it is important to recognize the impact of our collective effort to continue to question, challenge, and develop our response to the needs of every community impacted by exploitation.

Feb 05

2025

A Journey of Healing and Hope

By Jeri Williams Jeri Williams is an experienced public speaker, facilitator, and consultant. Jeri has spent over 30 years community organizing communities of color, immigrant and refugee communities, and human trafficking survivors with special emphasis on strategic planning, grassroots organizing, and power analysis. She is passionate about enhancing nonprofit and governmental organizations on human development, intercultural communication, program evaluation, and… See More

Feb 05

2025

In Memory of Barbara Amaya

Barbara Amaya was a renowned survivor advocate whose work significantly impacted the fight against human trafficking. She was a fierce supporter and mentor for other survivors, and her journey from victim to advocate was both inspiring and transformative. Barbara actively participated in legislative advocacy, working hard to create and promote policies to protect victims. She dedicated over a decade to… See More

Feb 05

2025

Faces of Human Trafficking – Then and Now

By Stephanie Pratt Stephanie has over 30 years of experience in the victim services field. Stephanie currently oversees grants focused on increasing support and assistance for victims/survivors of labor and sex trafficking. She also coordinates the Washington State Task Force Against the Trafficking of Persons, statewide trainings on human trafficking and investigations for law enforcement and prosecutors and participates in… See More

Feb 05

2025

Inclusion of Non-Traditional Partners, Improved Collaboration, and Evolving Practices to Better Support Victims

By Chris Newlin Chris Newlin, MS LPC is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) in Huntsville, AL, where he is responsible for providing leadership and management of the agency, as well as participating in national and international training and leadership activities regarding the protection of children. The NCAC was the first Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC)… See More

Feb 05

2025

Funding for Direct Service and Survivor Led NGOs Desperately Needed

By: Niko Xavales Niko Xavales has spent over a decade as a dedicated advocate for survivors of sex trafficking and has worked in direct services for the past six years. His personal experiences and insights have been shared through various platform, including the Huffington Post, where he has written several impactful articles. Furthermore, Niko provided written testimony for a U.S.… See More

Feb 05

2025

Support & Resources for All

By Maja Hasic Maja Hasic serves as the Anti-Human Trafficking Program Director with Tapestri Inc., a non-profit social service agency that works with survivors of violence from the immigrant and refugee community. Ms. Hasic designs and provides trainings and outreach to mainstream service providers, law enforcement, and community organizations on human trafficking on a local, state-wide, and national basis. Currently,… See More