Human trafficking is one of the most misunderstood forms of interpersonal violence, and the way we talk about it matters more than most people realize.
That’s why the Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, with support from the HALT Human Trafficking Fund, developed Promoting a Survivor-Centered Understanding of Human Trafficking, a free booklet designed to help individuals, organizations, and communities communicate about trafficking in ways that are accurate, ethical, and centered on survivors.
What’s Inside?
The booklet covers the full landscape of human trafficking in Nebraska and beyond: how it’s defined under state and federal law, the difference between sexual and labor exploitation, and the risk factors and protective factors that shape who is most vulnerable. It also addresses something that often gets overlooked: the barriers survivors face when seeking help, from criminalization and shame to the simple difficulty of recognizing one’s own experience as trafficking.
Perhaps most valuably, the guide offers clear, practical guidance on how to talk about human trafficking without causing harm. That means avoiding sensationalized language, steering clear of harmful visuals (think: barcodes on body parts, chains, tape over mouths), and understanding why “Myth vs. Fact” content can actually backfire by reinforcing the very misinformation it tries to correct — a phenomenon known as the illusory truth effect.
The booklet also includes a curated list of trusted resources and guidance for working ethically with survivor leaders, because survivors should be partners in this work, not just subjects of it.
Why Messaging Matters
Public conversations about human trafficking have grown significantly over the past two decades, but more conversation doesn’t always mean better understanding. Messaging that leans on stereotypes, gendered assumptions, or dramatic “rescue” narratives can make it harder, not easier, for communities to recognize trafficking when it happens and support survivors effectively.
This resource helps advocates, educators, journalists, and community members get it right.
Get Your Free Copy
A limited number of printed copies are available at no cost, made possible by the HALT Human Trafficking Fund. Order yours at nebraskacoalition.org/get-informed/request-printed-materials.
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