The Importance of Being Survivor-Led
At the Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS), we understand the incredible strength and advantage that comes from prioritizing the hiring of survivors. In fact, over 80% of our staff are survivors themselves. We recognize that those who have survived the sex trade have a deep, visceral understanding of the harms of the commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) and the modes of survival. This invaluable knowledge allows us to determine the most effective strategies for ending this gender-based exploitation on both individual and societal levels.
Empowered Voices: Survivor-Led Change
A survivor-informed practice acknowledges the unique perspectives of survivors, drawing on their expertise based on their experiences with trafficking and the challenges they have faced in rebuilding their lives. This involves communication and input from a diverse community of survivors at every stage of a program or project, including development, implementation, and evaluation.
Research has proven that survivor-led movements are more effective, with successful outcomes observed in various social justice movements. It is crucial for the anti-trafficking field to invest in the capacity of those with lived experience. This ensures that anti-trafficking policies are inclusive, services are accessible to all, and survivors have the tools and resources needed to remain free from exploitation.
The Importance of Survivors in Leadership Roles
We strongly advocate for survivors to be leaders in the movement to end gender-based violence. Who better to understand the impact of such exploitation than those who have experienced it firsthand? At OPS, our authentic leadership is key in developing the most effective strategies for creating systemic change. We believe accountability means that those who haven't experienced the sex trade need to listen to the voices of survivors, be answerable to them, and accept their leadership. We see their role as accomplices in the struggle for justice.
At OPS, we firmly believe that all individuals deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Our survivor-led approach prioritizes the voices and needs of those who have been impacted by CSE, creating space for inclusive and lasting change. By centering survivors in our work, we ensure that policies and services are accessible to all and provide survivors with the tools and resources they need to remain free from exploitation.
Partnerships with Survivors
All our knowledge about trafficking and CSE comes from the lived experiences of survivors who have bravely shared what they have learned. Therefore, working in genuine partnership with survivors as we create content is the most important step in ensuring our work is impactful and does not re-exploit those who have already endured trauma and dehumanization.
Partnership means:
1. Hiring survivors with lived experience to consult on the project and compensating them as you would any other expert.
2. Hiring survivors to work on the project in other capacities, including the co-creation of content.
3. Never using a survivor's personal story or experience without their explicit permission.
4. Never telling someone else's story without compensation.
5. Being clear about how a person's story of their own lived experience will be used and how many times it will be shared before the person agrees to share it.
By embracing survivor-led approaches and genuine partnership, we can create a society that supports and uplifts survivors, and ultimately bring an end to gender-based violence. Together, we can amplify empowered voices and drive lasting change.
