Call to Freedom: A Promising Approach to Supporting Recovery among Survivors of Sex Trafficking

Author: Edwards, Katie; Siller, Laura; Cerny, Shana; Klinger, Julie; Broin, Molly; Wheeler, Lorey & Baugh, Lee

Abstract: Researchers and practitioners have expressed an urgency to identify effective strategies for treating the complex needs of sex trafficking survivors. However, to date, we know very little about what types of services are most effective in promoting recovery among this population. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of Call to Freedom, a highly promising program based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (SD) that provides comprehensive, ongoing, and coordinated service to sex trafficking survivors. Grounded in survivor-centered and trauma-informed principles, Call to Freedom provides survivors with various on-site services such as case management, occupational therapy, and transitional housing in addition to connecting survivors to community-based agencies that provide various services (e.g., mental health care, medical/dental services, legal services). Call to Freedom also ensures that community partners are trained in trauma-informed practices to enhance the effectiveness of their work with survivors of sex trafficking. Moreover, Call to Freedom engages in legislative advocacy to decriminalize illegal activities in which survivors may have engaged while being trafficked and mandate tougher penalties for perpetrators of trafficking. Call to Freedom’s work is survivor-centered; all services are voluntary and individualized based on survivors’ needs with the ultimate goal of navigating their journey to freedom. Plans for conducting a rigorous evaluation of the Call to Freedom service model are discussed as well as suggestions for other communities wishing to provide comprehensive, ongoing, and coordinated service to sex trafficking survivors.

Keywords: sex trafficking, trafficking, human trafficking, intervention, recovery