We are excited to announce that we are launching a new photovoice study co-led by our client advisory board, the Survivor Leadership Council (SLC). The study will explore what survivor leadership means to survivors of human trafficking. Photovoice is a community-based participatory research (CBPR) method in which community members use photography to define their experiences on their own terms. Survivors take photographs to share their stories, collaborate with other researchers on all aspects of the research process, and use study findings to bring about positive social change. In our photovoice research, the SLC will collect data, analyze data, and share findings with the community through community photography exhibitions.
From the results of this study, the SLC will collaborate with other members of the Eleison team to generate a survivor-defined framework for survivor leadership. This framework can serve as a guide for the anti-trafficking sector globally, deepening our collective understanding of what survivor leadership means in diverse contexts and fostering a more comprehensive and survivor-centered approach to combatting trafficking.
Centering survivors’ voices, interests, visions, and agency positively impacts organizations, movements, communities, and survivors. Survivors who hold leadership roles—such as within a research team— have demonstrated a wide range of psychosocial benefits, such as realizing their own sense of agency and bravery, overcoming shame associated with their experiences, finding inspiration from other survivors, and finding a sense of belonging (see our research brief). Survivors who assume leadership positions in research also show increased levels of self-esteem, confidence, structure, and purpose. Overall, survivor leadership can combat stigma, increase the effectiveness of programs, nurture community strength, and prevent the re-traumatization of survivor professionals and leaders.
Photovoice sets a powerful example of how art, research, advocacy, and community engagement can intersect to bring about individual and collective change. We invite you to partner with us in making this project happen. Your donation, no matter its size, will provide the necessary resources to survivor leaders at Eleison who are driving this innovative project forward. Donate here to help us make this important study happen.
