Survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation: Experiences Working in Service Organizations

Author: Helpingstine, Claire; Kenny, Maureen & Canfield, Bradel

Abstract: Survivors of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) need multiple services to reintegrate into society including vocational assistance and career planning. Survivor mentors are being employed in agencies to connect with and assist victims of CSE. However, little is known about their work experiences in these agencies. Sixteen adult survivors of CSE who are presently working in agencies serving youth victims of CSE participated in this exploratory study. In an online survey, they reported on their experiences working in agencies, and on their satisfaction with their positions, salaries, and roles. Results revealed that generally, survivors were satisfied with their employment and benefits provided to them but not their salaries. They had concerns about the need to be a “model” survivor and at times being asked to share their story without permission. Over a third of survivors felt “used” as a survivor spokesperson for the agency in fundraising or other events without consent. Almost all survivors were engaged in their own counseling but support by their agencies for counseling varied. These results can be used to advise agencies that seek to be survivor-informed in how to provide a supportive and trauma-informed environment, to promote better outcomes for their employees who are survivors of human trafficking.

Keywords: commercial sexual exploitation, survivors, working relationships, survivor mentor