Our Survivor Leadership Council (SLC), a client advisory board comprised of survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence, recently presented the results of our photovoice research to social work staff and students at California Baptist University (CBU). This research, co-led by our SLC, explores the meaning of survivor leadership. Photovoice is a community-based participatory research method in which participants use photography to communicate their experiences on their own terms. In our photovoice research, survivors assume leadership roles by collecting data, analyzing it, and sharing their findings with the community.
During the presentation, the SLC members shared seven key themes that capture the essence of survivor leadership:
- Involvement in Creating Survivor-Centered Programs: Survivor leaders want to be involved in creating survivor-centered programs because they understand their needs and challenges better than anyone else. Their firsthand experiences offer valuable insights that can help design effective, empathetic, and practical support systems.
- Valuing Survivors’ Lived Experiences: Survivors hold unique and profound knowledge. Acknowledging and respecting survivors’ experiences validates survivors’ journeys. It also enhances the authenticity and relevance of advocacy efforts, ensuring that policies and programs are grounded in real-life experiences and needs.
- Access to Professional Roles: Professional roles give survivors the platform and authority to influence change. They allow survivors to utilize their skills, knowledge, and experiences to advocate for others, shape policies, and lead the future of the anti-trafficking movement.
- Increased Funding for Survivor Leadership: Financial resources are necessary to support, sustain, and expand survivor-led initiatives. Adequate funding allows for developing comprehensive support systems, outreach efforts, and advocacy campaigns, all essential for creating long-lasting impact and systemic change.
- Collaboration between Survivors and Allies: Collaboration between survivors and allies ensures survivor voices are integrated into policymaking and program development, leading to more effective survivor-centered solutions. It also builds mutual trust and respect, enhancing the overall efficacy and reach of programming.
- Capacity Building for Survivor Leaders: Survivor leaders expressed a desire for capacity building to equip them with further skills, knowledge, and confidence to lead effectively. Through training programs, mentorship, and educational opportunities, survivors are empowered to take on leadership roles, advocate for their rights, and inspire others.
- Enhanced Recognition of the Value of Survivor Leadership: Enhanced recognition of survivor leadership validates and celebrates survivors’ contributions. It highlights survivors’ critical role in shaping policies, raising awareness, and advocating for systemic change, ensuring survivors’ voices are heard and respected at all levels.
Based on these themes, the SLC will work with others on the Eleison team to develop a survivor-defined framework for survivor leadership. This framework can serve as a guide for the anti-trafficking sector globally, helping to enhance our understanding of survivor leadership in different contexts and promote a more comprehensive and survivor-centered approach to fighting human trafficking.
We invite you to collaborate with us to organize a community event to present our research findings to the broader community. Our previous photovoice research has revealed that survivors often struggle with internalized stigma and shame. These feelings can be reduced by taking ownership of one’s own story and sharing them in safe environments. Your support, no matter the amount, will provide the resources needed to help the SLC lead this initiative. Donate here to help us make this event a reality.
