POLICY

Uniting to End Trafficking Through Field-Informed Policy

At Safe House Project, we champion legislation that prioritizes the protection and empowerment of trafficking survivors. We believe that the most effective policies are those shaped by the lived experiences of survivors. By supporting these survivor-informed initiatives, we are working towards a future where trafficking is effectively prevented, and survivors receive the protection and resources they need to thrive.

What is the Trafficking Survivor Equity Coalition?

The Trafficking Survivor Equity Coalition (TSEC) unites various stakeholders—including survivor advocates, nonprofits, government agencies, and legal experts—to craft comprehensive policy recommendations that prioritize the needs of survivors.

TSEC Legislation & Policy

TSEC is both an advocacy group and a policy advisory body focused on transforming how human trafficking is addressed in the United States. It ensures that policies are shaped by those with lived experience, offering survivor-informed recommendations to guide lawmakers in preventing trafficking, protecting survivors, and prosecuting traffickers. TSEC promotes a holistic approach to supporting survivors and elevating their voices in policy discussions.

Gathers Insights: TSEC collaborates with survivor advocates and field experts to identify gaps in current policies and practices.
Educates Lawmakers: The coalition engages with policymakers to advocate for legislative changes that protect and empower survivors.
Supports Implementation: TSEC works to ensure that these policies are effectively implemented, providing guidance and resources to help organizations align with new standards.

Core Values

Advocating for Survivors: We champion the rights of survivors, organizations, and the anti-trafficking field.

Amplifying Survivor Voices: We create opportunities for trafficking survivors to share their experiences and influence change.

Ensuring Access to Care: Every survivor deserves access to services that are survivor-informed, trauma-informed, and healing-centered.

Human-Rights Focused Solutions: We are committed to solutions that recognize the inherent value, dignity, and worth of every person.

Our Goals

Unify Voices

We aim to unify restorative care programs to develop policies that support high-quality care for survivors.

Advise on Legislation

We advise on federal legislation that aids organizations providing restorative services to survivors.

Ensure Equitable Access

We strive to ensure that all survivors have access to equitable, inclusive, and trauma-informed care.

Create Sustainable Solutions

We develop sustainable solutions that connect service providers to improved outcomes for survivors.

Restore Agency

We restore agency to survivors through comprehensive restorative care and whole-person solutions.

Your Support is Crucial in Making a Lasting Impact

JOIN
TSEC

Become part of a coalition dedicated to ending human trafficking through informed and effective policy.

JOIN TSEC

SIGN THE
PETITION

Join our initiative by signing our petition and making your voice heard.

SIGN THE PETITION

DONATE
NOW

Support our mission to protect and empower trafficking survivors through legislative change.

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“THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE THIS TO LEARN: THAT WHERE JUSTICE IS DENIED, WHERE POVERTY IS ENFORCED, WHERE IGNORANCE PREVAILS, AND WHERE ANY ONE CLASS IS MADE TO FEEL THAT SOCIETY IS AN ORGANIZED CONSPIRACY TO OPPRESS, ROB, AND DEGRADE THEM, NEITHER PERSON NOR PROPERTY IS SAFE.” ― FREDERICK DOUGLASS

Latest TSEC News & Updates

GROWING MOMENTUM FOR THE KIDS ONLINE SAFETY ACT

Learn about the growing support for this critical piece of legislation aimed at protecting children online.

EARN IT ACT

The EARN IT Act focuses on disrupting the accessibility of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and plays a crucial role in anti-trafficking efforts by holding technology companies accountable.

Sign the Letter of Support

DISRUPTING THE ACCESSIBILITY OF CSAM

Discover the strategies and impact of efforts to reduce the availability of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), a key component of trafficking prevention.

Read the Article

NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE REPORTS

A critical look at the reporting process and its role in trafficking prevention by the National Association of Attorney Generals.

Read the Letter

LATEST POSITION PAPER FROM SAFE HOUSE PROJECT

Learn about the importance of maintaining legal definitions within the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).

Read the TVPA Definitions Paper

2022 TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (TIP) REPORT

Explore Safe House Project’s contributions to the 2022 TIP Report and its significance in shaping anti-trafficking policy.

Read Our Submission

LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENTS

Read these in-depth evaluations of Texas and Utah’s current efforts in addressing human trafficking, with specific recommendations for improving prevention, protection, and prosecution measures.

Read Texas’s Landscape Assessment

Read Utah’s Landscape Assessment

How TSEC is Changing the Landscape

Transforming Policy for Trafficking Survivors

TVPRA • HR 6552

On July 26th 2022 The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed critical anti-trafficking legislation authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) together with Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) in a strong bipartisan vote of 401-20.

The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention & Protection Reauthorization Act of 2022 was introduced on February 8, 2022 by Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA) to reauthorize $1B in funding over the next 5 years to support domestic and international trafficking initiatives.

President Biden signed the TVPA ( S. 3946 and S. 3949) into law in on January 5th. We are grateful to everyone who has signed the letter of support, called their Congressional members, and taken a stand on behalf of trafficking survivors. We are excited to see continued momentum by the Trafficking Survivor Equity Coalition.

Coalition Partners

Here’s how you can
make a difference

DONATE

Your donations help provide essential care and safe environments for survivors in need.

Spread the word about how your community can get involved in the fight.

JOIN

Become a part of our mission to end child sex trafficking and help us create lasting change.

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Policy FAQ

WHAT IS THE TRAFFICKING SURVIVOR EQUITY COALITION (TSEC)?

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HOW DOES SAFE HOUSE PROJECT SUPPORT TSEC POLICY LEGISLATION?

We collaborate with survivors, policymakers, and community leaders to draft, advocate for, and implement policies that align with the needs of survivors. Our goal is to ensure that policies not only protect survivors but also provide the necessary resources for their recovery and reintegration into society.

WHY IS THE INPUT OF SURVIVOR ADVOCATES CRUCIAL FOR POLICY DEVELOPMENT

Survivor Advocates offer unique, firsthand insights into the challenges and needs within the current system. Their experiences highlight gaps in existing policies and inform the development of more effective, compassionate laws. Including their voices ensures that the policies are not only theoretically sound but also practically applicable and supportive of survivors’ real-world needs.

WHAT ARE THE KEY GOALS OF TSEC POLICY LEGISLATION?

The primary goals of TSEC policy legislation are to:
• Enhance protections for trafficking survivors.
• Improve access to resources for recovery and reintegration.
• Strengthen prevention and training efforts to reduce the incidence of trafficking.
• Foster collaboration among stakeholders to create a unified approach to combating trafficking.

HOW CAN SIGNING THE LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR TSEC POLICY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Signing the Letter of Support shows policymakers that there is widespread backing for TSEC policy legislation. It amplifies the call for change and demonstrates to lawmakers that there is a strong, unified voice advocating for survivor equity and protection. Your signature helps to ensure that these critical policy changes remain a priority on the legislative agenda.

WHAT SPECIFIC POLICY CHANGES DOES TSEC LEGISLATION ADVOCATE FOR?

TSEC policy legislation advocates for comprehensive changes, including:

Mandating survivor-centered approaches in all trafficking-related programs.
Increasing funding for aftercare services to ensure long-term support for survivors.
Implementing stricter penalties for traffickers while providing protections for survivors during the legal process.
Expanding educational programs to raise awareness and prevent trafficking.

HOW DOES SAFE HOUSE PROJECT ENSURE THAT TSEC POLICY LEGISLATION IS EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENTED?

Safe House Project works closely with government agencies, non-profits, and community organizations to monitor the implementation of TSEC policy legislation. We provide training and resources to ensure that the new policies are understood and applied correctly. Additionally, we continuously gather feedback from Survivor Advocates to assess the effectiveness of the policies and advocate for necessary adjustments.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN SUPPORTING TSEC POLICY?

Community members play a vital role in supporting TSEC policy by raising awareness, engaging in advocacy, and providing financial or volunteer support to organizations like Safe House Project. By signing the Letter of Support, attending local advocacy events, and educating others about the importance of survivor-centered policies, community members help create an environment where survivors are protected and traffickers are held accountable.

HOW CAN I STAY INFORMED AND INVOLVED AFTER SIGNING THE LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR TSEC POLICY?

After signing the Letter of Support, you can stay informed and involved by subscribing to Safe House Project’s newsletter, following us on social media, and participating in our advocacy campaigns. We also offer opportunities for you to volunteer, attend events, and continue to advocate for the rights and protection of trafficking survivors through policy-driven initiatives.

WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM GOALS OF TSEC POLICY LEGISLATION?

The long-term goals of TSEC policy legislation include creating a sustainable, survivor-centered approach to trafficking prevention and response. This involves building a policy framework where survivors are not only protected but also empowered to rebuild their lives, and where trafficking is systematically eradicated through comprehensive, community-driven strategies.

Your Voice Shapes Policy

Stand with us in championing policies like the Trafficking Survivor Equity Coalition. Start by signing the Letter of Support above to impact the lives of trafficking survivors and drive meaningful policy change.

Looking to do more? Consider making a donation today.

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