The words we use shape how we understand and respond to human trafficking.
It’s important that people impacted by trafficking control their stories and experiences. 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 -
Often used to describe a person actively experiencing 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. The term “rescue” can be appropriate, but it’s also important to acknowledge that people experiencing exploitation and trafficking have an autonomous role in exiting their trafficking situation.
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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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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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Trauma-informed response -
“Trauma-informed” can have many definitions. The Alberta Centre sees it as an approach that recognizes the impact of trauma in a trafficking situation and prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment in all interactions.
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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.