Providing support for victims and survivors builds upon lessons learned from research and experiences garnered from activities targeted at meeting the needs of victims and survivors for several years. Over the last several years, research has proliferated, support programs and service capacity have expanded, and coordination between systems and agencies providing care have become much more integrated. Despite these gains, Texas lacks support services that are equipped to effectively address the complex trauma and unique challenges that trafficking victimization brings. In addition, services for some subsets of victims are lacking more than others. The strategies are meant to build upon gains made in research and knowledge about human trafficking victimization and treatment; best, promising, and emerging practices across the country including in Texas; input from survivors and a diverse array of stakeholders; and lessons learned from current models, processes, and services that are being employed in Texas. Regardless of the type of trafficking, victims need many of the same services and supports.

Provide Support Action Plan:

  • Train stakeholders to identify victims earlier and more often and ensure trauma-informed care once identified. 

  • Build a continuum of care by training and leveraging existing systems of care. 

  • Train stakeholders in trauma-informed practices for survivors. 

  • Develop specialized advocacy and case management programs. 

  • Develop variety of services to meet individualized needs of survivors. 

  • Evaluate services for effectiveness. 

  • Identify funding opportunities to meet survivor’s needs. 

  • Develop local care coordination teams to coordinate crisis recovery and long-term support. 

  • Remove barriers to information sharing to improve collaboration.

Webinar: Provide Follow-Up Care to Victims After Recovery

Supporting human trafficking victims requires all who have a stake to be trained in trauma-informed care and practices that meet their individualized needs. Information sharing barriers need to be removed to achieve collaborative long-term support and effective crisis recovery.