VILLANOVA, PA — In the fight against human trafficking, a focus on resilience and empowerment is emerging as a critical tool for survivors. Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, a leading behavioral healthcare provider, is taking strides in this direction by implementing an innovative curriculum designed to help young survivors break free from the cycle of abuse.
Human trafficking, a complex issue that affects communities nationwide, has seen more than 80,000 reported cases in the U.S. since 2007, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. In 2021 alone, over 10,000 cases were reported.
As part of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Devereux is highlighting the importance of empowering survivors. “We want to help these individuals find their voice, build resilience, and live healthy, happy lives free from exploitation,” said Devereux Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical/Medical Officer Yolanda Graham, M.D.
To tackle this challenge, Devereux is rolling out the “Ending the Game” (ETG) curriculum in its Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) programs across Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. ETG aims to reduce re-victimization among sexually exploited children by educating and empowering survivors about the psychological coercion often connected with their exploitation.
Amy Waldron, Clinical Director at Devereux Georgia, explained that the 10-week curriculum helps “break the strong bonds created by exploiters and traffickers.” She added, “Youth connect with, and relate to, ‘survivor sisters,’ women who have survived exploitation and have been able to ‘end the game.’ These women, including ETG founder Rachel Thomas, who are now ‘survivor leaders,’ participate in the curriculum by supporting youth and sharing information about their own personal experiences.”
Testimonials from Devereux Georgia youth who have completed the ETG curriculum underscore its impact. One participant shared that the program taught them about “the signs of an abusive relationship,” while another said it helped them realize, “I’m not alone in my trauma, and most people have hard stories.”
This focus on survivor empowerment and education is an important shift in addressing human trafficking. By emphasizing resilience and self-awareness, programs like ETG could play a vital role in breaking the cycle of abuse and exploitation. The potential implications are significant, offering a new pathway for survivors to regain control of their lives and move towards healthier futures.
In the face of the ongoing challenge of human trafficking, initiatives like Devereux’s ETG curriculum represent a beacon of hope. They offer a promising model for other organizations seeking to support survivors, underscoring the power of resilience and empowerment in transforming lives. As we continue to grapple with the profound impacts of human trafficking, such approaches are more critical than ever.
How to report possible trafficking
If you, or someone you know, is a victim of human trafficking, remember, help is available.
If you need immediate assistance, please call 911. If you believe you may have information regarding a trafficking situation, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline through one of the following methods:
- Call 1 (888) 373-7888.
- Text 233733.
- Chat with a hotline advocate at www.humantraffickinghotline.org/chat.
- Submit an anonymous tip online, using this form.
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