This is why we do what we do. 

At Safe House Project, we fight every day to ensure that survivors of trafficking have access to real care, real support, and a real chance at healing. Too often, the systems in place fail to provide a timely or meaningful response when survivors reach out for help. The words below, written by a survivor we had the privilege of serving, were sent just last week to Safe House Project CEO Kristi Wells. This powerful message is a reminder of what happens when survivors are met with dignity, love, and unwavering support—not endless hold times and bureaucratic dead ends. 

Survivors deserve better. They deserve to be heard, to be seen, and to be given the opportunity to reclaim their futures. This letter is a testament to what happens when care is done right, when survivors are prioritized, and when action replaces apathy. 

At Safe House Project, we will always put survivors first. 

Hi,
I hope that you have been doing well. I just wanted to say that I can’t believe that exactly one year ago today, I was flying from Charlotte on my way to a program. Time has gone by so quickly. I remember being excited to call you a day or two later and letting you know how wonderful everything was going. Even though things didn’t work out as planned, I will be forever grateful for all that you and SHP did for me. To be honest, it was among the best times in my entire life. I had never experienced that feeling of genuine hope and love before. After being at the program for a while, I was actually content and excited for my future. I can’t thank you enough for the opportunity of a lifetime.

Also, I recently saw your article/interview on Fox News. Back in 2022, my friend actually called the hotline multiple times, only to become very frustrated over extremely long wait times and the fact that nobody answered. Due to this, she decided to do some research online and that is how she discovered your organization. Years ago, I found and called the hotline number, but it was pointless; either, nobody answered or they couldn’t help me. The Suicide Hotline, at least the old one, was the same way. I hope things change for the better. The world is a better place because of what you are doing. I was very lucky to have been impacted by your work. Take care.
Thank you, 

E 

<p>The post This is why we do what we do. first appeared on Safe House Project.</p>

Why Survivor Autonomy Matters 

 Survivor autonomy is not just about basic decision-making; it is about restoring dignity, agency, and control after those fundamental rights were taken. Traffickers manipulate, coerce, and isolate victims, stripping them of independence. To break this cycle, we must do more than support their exit from exploitation and provide services—we must create systems that actively empower survivors to choose their path forward. 

Many existing programs and policies, while well-intentioned, fail to center survivor autonomy. We see this in: 

• Referral systems that push survivors into programs without considering their individual needs.
• Legal processes that exclude survivors from shaping policies that directly impact them.
• Well-meaning advocates making decisions on survivors’ behalf rather than equipping them with choices.

These gaps create barriers to meaningful recovery, leaving many survivors feeling unheard and unsupported. If we are serious about eradicating trafficking, we must prioritize solutions that return power to survivors, not simply dictate what they need. 

Solutions That Support Survivor Choice 

Developing survivor-informed policies and services requires a shift in mindset—from treating survivors as passive recipients of aid to active participants in shaping their future. Here’s what that looks like in practice: 

1. Survivor-Led Program Development

Survivors must be at the decision-making table. Policies, services, and anti-trafficking initiatives should be co-created with those who have lived experience. When survivors help design programs, those programs become more relevant, effective, and responsive to real-world needs. 

2. Expanding Accessible and Flexible Support Options

 Survivors need options. One-size-fits-all solutions do not work. Whether it’s housing, legal aid, or job training, survivors should be able to choose what best fits their situation—not be forced into pre-set pathways that may not align with their needs. 

3. Respecting the Right to Privacy and Safety

Many survivors hesitate to seek help because of fears around law enforcement involvement, exposure of personal information, or re-traumatization. Systems must protect survivor confidentiality and ensure they feel safe making decisions about their next steps. 

4. Economic Empowerment and Long-Term Stability

 Survivors need more than crisis response—they need economic independence. Job training, career pathways, and financial literacy programs should be embedded into survivor services so they can build a future where they are not vulnerable to re-exploitation. 

The Urgency of Now 

Survivors, advocates, and frontline professionals alike are tired of systems that don’t work. We hear the frustration from those who have waited 45 minutes on a hotline only to receive outdated referrals, who have been placed into programs without choice, and who have struggled to navigate a system that doesn’t listen. 

We can and must do better. 

Survivor autonomy should be a cornerstone of anti-trafficking efforts, not an afterthought. By designing survivor-centered solutions that return power and choice, we move beyond rhetoric and toward real, sustainable change. 

The fight against human trafficking is not just about removing individuals from exploitation—it’s about ensuring they have the freedom, resources, and support to reclaim their lives on their own terms. 

If we want lasting impact, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly empowering survivors, or are we just managing them? The difference between those two approaches will determine whether we create real solutions—or continue repeating the same mistakes. 

It’s time to choose better. Survivors deserve nothing less. 

<p>The post Empowering Survivor Autonomy: A Critical Step in Combatting Human Trafficking first appeared on Safe House Project.</p>