Sex Trafficking &Â Prostitution Research
Survivor Intelligence and Data
Sex trafficking continues to be one of the fastest-growing injustices in our world. To end it, we must listen to those who have lived through it. Survivor intelligence is the heart of our research, guiding every effort to bring truth, education, and prevention.
By gathering survivor-informed data, we strive to accurately represent the realities of exploitation and its impact on individuals and communities. Our goal is to transform information into action—using research to educate, to awaken compassion, and to influence lasting change. Through this work, we aim to help shape policies, programs, and partnerships that restore dignity and protect freedom—both here at home and across the world.
"If we want to end trafficking, we must first give a voice to those who have survived it and then light a fire with their words..."
Dana Parriera, Director of Abolition
Words to Strike a Flame
The Voices of Survivors Lighting the Way to Freedom
Survivor stories are more than memories. They are maps that reveal where danger hides and how freedom is found. Through survivor-informed data, we create prevention strategies, educational materials, and community tools that stop exploitation before it starts.
Every story shared becomes a light that helps protect another life.
When you had a pimp, did you get to keep any of the money?
"No, I didn’t even get to… the only time I touched it was when I handed it over."
~ A Survivor
Did you ever fear homelessness, and did it ever affect your decision to prostitute?
"Every day. Every second of every day."
 ~ A Survivor
How did drugs play a part in prostitution? Â
"I had to be completely high to be able to do it, and so those go hand-in-hand for me. If I’m using, I need more money to use, so I prostitute. And I have to be high to prostitute otherwise I can’t go through a day. I’ve been raped multiple times and hurt multiple times. I’ve been pushed out of cars, like, just a lot. That’s why I could only do it if I was high."
 ~ A Survivor
What advice would you give a girl who wants to get into prostitution because she thinks it's glamorous?
"Just go get into an abusive relationship. Seriously. And see how much you like that first… I mean, I guess it's 'glamorous' because you get money, but it’s not gonna last, and you’re just gonna get abused every day. Yeah. That’s what I can compare it to. It’s just the worst abusive relationship with different men every day. Not even one that you love."
 ~ A Survivor
Would you have ever prostituted if there was no money involved?
"No. What is prostitution without money? Like, I have no idea!"
 ~ A Survivor
Let Your Voice Be Heard
Survivor Intelligence and Data Participation
Your voice matters.
If you are a survivor of prostitution or sexual exploitation, your story holds the power to protect others. Through survivor-led research and data collection, we seek to understand the realities of exploitation so we can create prevention tools that save lives.
By sharing your experience, you help shape education, policy, and community initiatives that stop trafficking before it starts. Every word you speak can light the path toward freedom for someone else.
If you’d like to participate or learn more, please contact us because everyone deserves freedom.
Let Your Voice Be Heard
Survivor Intelligence and Data Participation