Some might…

connect with different genders and personalities more than others.

Some might…

Might not ever be able to find their platform to make a difference.

Some might…

Still continue to be surprised that trafficking is a problem.

Some might…

Be helped by those whose eyes have been opened by the work we do.

Some might…

                                        believe that someday victims may have enough support to
participate in prosecution.

Some might…

Eventually believe that this work is life changing.

Some might…

May decide to get involved.

Some might…

not know the severity of human trafficking and will be open to learning more.

Some might…

have their input ignored.

Some might…

Discover that they can do big work and not lose their soul.

Some might…

                      learn that lateral violence may be a precursor to human trafficking (in tribal communities).




For more information please visit: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wld2XLy4_c 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wld2XLy4_c

Some might…

Find true peace.

Some might…

Find meaning in their experience and be of service to others.

Some might…

wonder if it’s worth it.

Some might…

Be profoundly impacted if not immediately, down the road by

someone that treats them with compassion, dignity and respect.

Some might…

Forget about the young people and think trafficking is an adult situation.

Some might…

Learn to trust again.

Some might…

Gain access to affordable housing in the next year.

Some might…

Continue to see law enforcement as the enemy.

Some might…


Be victimized based on their ethnicity .

Some might…

Decide this year, enough is enough and they will find the courage to reach out.

Some might…

Become a friend because we are there to listen without judgement.

Some might…

think victims CHOSE to be trafficked.

Some might…

Be out of the the life for many many years but sometimes need outside support.

Some might…

                                     not know how to identify victims. 

Some might…

Believe that whatever they share is believed.

Some might…

Find hope to get through another day through the kindness of our face and spirit.

Some might…

not identify themselves as victims.

Some might…

Be upset they were manipulatively deceived.

Some might…

Make it because I was able to work with them.

Some might…

Need a reciprocal relationship of trust.

Some might…

Need to be touched several times before they choose to leave.

"Some might..." Series

At one of our previous meetings our director, Jane White, asked task force members to reflect on their work with human trafficking victims/survivors to finish the phrase, “Some might _________.”

The experiences of those that have been trafficked vary.
The way others perceive and treat victims/survivors of human trafficking differs.
Most importantly, the way victims/survivors view themselves is unique.

Over the next few weeks we will be sharing our responses to shed light on the numerous ways law enforcement, service providers, and other task force members have come to understand the experience of those affected by human trafficking in Michigan.

Congrats to the 20th Train the Trainer class!

Congratulations to the 20th class successfully completing the Train the Trainer two-day intensive workshop on Human Trafficking. Great members of Task Force teaching, dedicated, in quest of new knowledge, and passionate participants...what a combination.

- Jane White, Director, MI Human Trafficking Task Force

Human Trafficking Awareness Month

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month which is an exciting, crazy month for anyone working in anti-trafficking efforts. Why is it crazy? Try searching "human trafficking" on sites like EventBrite or Facebook Events. You'll find a TON of events happening in your community every week! This is an exciting time for us working in the anti-trafficking movement because it gives us a chance to spotlight an issue we care about every month. Advocacy occurs every day, all year long for task force members however, it isn't every month we have such a captive audience! At the end of the day the most important responsibility during this month is to make sure survivors' voices are at the core of all the awareness events and conversations. 

Take Action: 

• Find an event in your community during January (or ANY month!). 
• Start a conversation! Share a news article on Facebook, attend an event with a friend, visit the Polaris website to get informed! 

Lauren Vollinger is a doctoral student in the Ecological-Community Psychology program at Michigan State University and a member of the Research Consortium on Gender-Based Violence.