So you want to rescue sex trafficking victims?

Back up a bit.

Do they really need rescuing, and are you really the right person for it?

Trafficking isn't just about sex and it isn't glamorous. Working with survivors is messy. It's scary. And I guarantee you will find your ideals and morals challenged.

Hate to break it to you but unless you're like a SEAL or something, nobody needs your rescuing.* One of the most important things you need to be of any use to survivors is an open mind. Be ready to work with people who look, act, worship, and smell very different from you. Whatever you do, don't flinch. You're gonna hear stuff you can't wrap your pretty little head around. Take it. Empathize. Cry in your car. You're gonna hear how many times they've been raped, and with what objects. You're gonna witness drug use/withdrawals. Say the word Fuck twenty times. Did that hurt? Hope not. How do you feel about lice? Well, we all feel that way... But can you choose to spend time with a stranger who's got it? What about telling a young teen how to treat a yeast infection she got after being raped? Yes, you have to say "vagina." And for the love of Pete don't ever ask anyone about what's in their pants. If you're curious about someone's identity, ask them about their pronouns, not their genitalia.

Do you know what a trauma response is? Ever had someone screaming at you? You fucking bitch. Now add in like unintelligible screaming of random swearing at full volume. Or maybe it's avoiding something perfectly normal. My first client couldn't make a phone call. Like she forgot how to use a phone, and even what to say to request a doctor's appointment.

Hollywood is a bitch. Taken and other captivity narrative type movies have sensationalised, glamorized and diluted the experiences of exploitation, captivity and trafficking that survivors endure. Perfect girls get kidnapped and rescued by perfect saviors. But real life isn't like that. People die, they get beat up. They get fucked up. Just be there. Just meet them where they're at and ask them what they need. Do it together. Learn a little about trauma theory. Understand that behaviours most people identify as bad or harmful can actually be lifesaving to survivors of traumatic events.

It ain't pretty. And you will touch a dildo, or six.

*except abandoned puppies.