Why We Aren’t Rescuers

By Tanya Pearrell

When I first learned about human trafficking, I knew what I wanted to do – I wanted to rescue victims. I was going to swoop in and move these women and children to safety. Now, almost 10 years later, rescue is the furthest thing from my mind.

The Nature of Trafficking Relationships

Many of us have images of a victim of trafficking snatched off the street. Or we envision taking on the role of Liam Neeson in the movie “Taken”. But, as we have shared many times before, trafficking rarely looks like this. It’s not a kidnapping. Over 90% of those trafficked are trafficked by someone they know and trust. When we learn and accept this tragic truth, we see things differently. Imagine what would happen if we were to suddenly show up and happily announce to a woman living with her boyfriend (trafficker) that we are there to save her.  She’d likely have some choice words for us and have no desire to be “rescued”. This is why we place so much value on learning the truth about trafficking in your area. If we seek to do this work of fighting trafficking without understanding how it actually happens and learning about trauma bonding, we could be doing more harm than good.

Power Dynamics

Think about the words “rescuer”, "rescued”, “victim”. What comes to mind? As I think about this, I see a very uneven power dynamic at play. The “rescuer” becomes the powerful person swooping in to save the “helpless victim”. It takes away the voice and power of the individual being trafficked. This can also lead to a codependent relationship – perpetuating the control of the pimp and just transferring it to the rescuer. It takes away their ability to make a decision for themselves. Rather than empowering the survivor, it leaves them feeling powerless, which is the last thing we want to do with someone that has been in a controlling relationship.

So, What Do We Do

While we do not rescue, we do assist, support and advocate. Part of the mission of She’s Somebody’s Daughter is to “erase the lines of separation that isolate those affected by exploitation and abuse”. We build relationships with women that we see as resilient survivors, not helpless victims. We encourage and empower them to use their voice. And if they make a decision to take steps out of exploitive relationships and situations we walk with them. And that means every step. Even if they choose to go back (and many will go back). This is why the aspect of trauma-informed care is so important to those doing the work. Our focus is on what is best for those we serve.

We have no desire at all to diminish the passion we see in those wanting to join in eradicating trafficking. Our goal is to help those seeking to get involved understand the complexities of trafficking and trauma bonding. Not only is it important to the healing of survivors, but it’s also important for those doing the work. If we have ideas of rescuing and an easy journey after, it can be easy to lose heart and become discouraged.

What Can You Do?

I know we say this over and over again but it really is the foundation – educate yourself. Learn what trafficking really looks like in your community. It can look different in small communities in the US vs. a city in another country. Connect yourself to organizations that understand trauma, trauma bonds and equip and train others. Listen to the language they use and how they talk about those they assist.

As always, we love to share and provide resources. Please reach out if you are interested in learning more – tanya@shessomebodysdaughter.org