John,

I want you to be among the first to know:

We’ve released findings from the first-ever National Survivor Study (NSS), uncovering valuable insights from survivors of human trafficking.

They paint a grim picture. Survivors of trafficking are not thriving. Their challenges are far from over after they exit trafficking situations.

However, this study represents a real step forward in human trafficking research — centering survivor voices and helping us know what’s needed most to turn the tide.

Here’s what we’ve learned:

• Prior to trafficking, survivors experienced poverty, abuse, substance abuse, or family instability at astronomical rates.

• Survivors aren’t receiving adequate support to get or maintain living-wage jobs.

• Accessible, affordable, trauma-informed support is uncommon.

• Many survivors have been criminalized, and face additional barriers because of it.

• Financial tools that can help survivors regain stability — like bank accounts, credit cards, or loans — are not available because of financial abuse by their traffickers.

These findings give survivors and allies a starting point toward bigger, more impactful steps to respond to trafficking, or even prevent it from happening in the first place.

Needs and strategies are now more clear because of the NSS. This study:

• Is the first to show the current, real-life situations of survivors of human trafficking.

• Stands out from other research by focusing on survivors’ futures, not their pasts. It has revealed paths for action to improve survivors’ lives and create better outcomes for would-be victims.

• Begins to fill the gap of high-quality, primary-source research in the anti-trafficking field.

While the NSS is just the beginning for survivor-led research, it’s a milestone in the anti-trafficking movement. And your support makes this progress possible. Thank you.