The words we use shape how we understand and respond to human trafficking.
It’s important to let those impacted by trafficking dictate their story, and this includes the words used to describe them. By being thoughtful with our words, we help build dignity, understanding, and respect for those impacted by trafficking. Here are some examples of words and phrases we use at the Alberta Centre, and why.
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Survivor -
A person who has experienced trafficking and has exited their trafficking situation. It is important to ask survivors how they would like to be referenced, always giving them full control of their story.
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Person with lived experience -
This is another way a person who has experienced trafficking may feel comfortable identifying.
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Victim -
A person who has experienced exploitation through trafficking. It is important to note that not everyone who is experiencing trafficking identifies as a victim.
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Rescue -
The act of safely removing a person from a trafficking situation. This term is often used by law enforcement, but is not always appropriate for every circumstance, as it minimizes the trafficked person’s autonomous role in their own rescue.
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Exiting a trafficking situation -
The process by which a person leaves or is supported to leave a trafficking situation. This phrase may offer more empowerment to the person experiencing trafficking, as it accounts for their autonomous decision to leave.
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Trauma-informed response -
An approach that recognizes the impact of trauma in a trafficking situation and prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment in all interactions.
Survivor-centred approach: A method that prioritizes the needs, choices, and voices of survivors in all decisions we make and services we support.
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“Do no harm” approach -
A guiding principle for law enforcement and organizations that offer support that ensures interventions and actions do not cause further trauma or risk to individuals.
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Continuum of care -
A coordinated range of services that support survivors from crisis through recovery to long-term stability.
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Coercion -
The use of threats, manipulation, or pressure to control a person’s actions or choices.
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Exploitation -
Taking advantage of someone through abuse of power, control, or vulnerability for personal gain or profit.
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Sex trafficking -
Exploiting individuals through coercion or manipulation for sexual purposes.
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Labour trafficking -
Forcing or deceiving someone into working under exploitative or unsafe conditions.
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Organ trafficking -
Organ trafficking involves the illegal and exploitative removal of human organs and tissue to be sold for profit.
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Reading Stone Report -
The creation of the AC was a cornerstone recommendation of the report, which outlined the findings and recommendations of Alberta’s Human Trafficking Task Force, established in 2020 to guide government actions that support survivors, strengthen collaboration among organizations that work with survivors, and advance a nine-point plan to combat human trafficking.