As survivors of CSE, we understand that we can withstand a great deal before it begins to impact us.

However, due to our resilience, we often neglect the signs of overwhelm until they escalate into a significant issue.

Let’s explore a few strategies to help us find our calm and ground ourselves on a daily basis, ensuring our inner lives don't reflect the chaos of the world around us during these challenging times.

Each year on May 5th, we come together to mark a day of profound importance—the National Day of Awareness and Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People. Known evocatively as "Red Dress Day," this day has been illuminated by the poignant artistry of Métis artist Jaime Black. Through her REDress Project, Black has created a visually striking testament to a grievous national crisis that continues to impact Indigenous communities deeply.

Navigating the journey of healing and self-discovery can be profoundly challenging for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. These strengths, unjustly born from our desire to survive and adapt, are attributes that many people who have not had to endure these harrowing traumas strive to develop. While it's true many of us would exchange these hard-won strengths to erase the pain of our past, our experiences undeniably shape us. By recognizing our own strengths, we have the power to cultivate the life we deserve and change our self-perception moving forward. It's crucial to acknowledge that your strengths are not confined to surviving the world of CSE; they are invaluable qualities that will benefit you in all aspects of your current and future life.

Navigating the path to healing and empowerment as a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) involves many layered processes, one of which is relearning to trust your internal compass — your instincts. We understand that as CSE survivors, you may have been taught to suppress these instincts as a means of survival, where your safety and autonomy were unjustly unvalued. Now, it's time to reclaim what was always yours: the power of your intuition.

In times of political upheaval, many of us find our sense of safety and identity profoundly shaken. This is what we are coming to understand as political trauma – an intense emotional response that stems from events, actions, or rhetoric in the political sphere that evoke distress, fear, or anxiety. It is not merely about a singular policy or partisan decision; political trauma goes deeper, touching the very core of who we are and what we believe in.

A safe space can be any setting, physical or virtual, where individuals feel fully comfortable in expressing their true selves without fear of judgment or harm. This could be a snug corner at home, a serene spot in nature, an empathetic support group, or an understanding online community. What’s integral is the environment’s capacity to foster safety, comfort, and authenticity.

Everyone residing in the U.S. has constitutional protections. This includes the right to remain silent when approached or detained by immigration officers or other law enforcement officials. Encounters with law enforcement can undoubtedly provoke anxiety. However, maintaining composure is crucial. If stopped or questioned, it’s essential not to flee, argue, resist, or physically engage with the officer, even if you feel your rights are not being respected. Always keep your hands visible, calmly informing the officers if you need to reach for anything like your documents in the vehicle.

Surviving sexual exploitation often leaves indelible scars of shame, guilt, and misplaced blame on one's heart. Such burdens seek to undermine the truth of your journey and can slowly wear away your confidence in the very structures meant to elevate you. Perplexingly, the anxiety over potential legal ramifications—stemming from systems not yet fully aligned with the justice survivors deserve—can mute the valuable stories that need to be heard, making the step toward support seem daunting.

At the Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS), we continually confront various challenges that inhibit healing and perpetuate harm within the community of those affected by commercial sexual exploitation (CSE).

A recurring issue is the influence of the savior complex exhibited by some individuals and organizations. While the intent to help is often genuine, the repercussions of a savior complex can be detrimental, impacting both the individuals providing aid and those they aim to support.

January marks a pivotal time of year when we come together to shine a light on a profound issue that affects countless lives around the world—National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This month is more than a call to awareness; it is a rallying cry for community action, a time for education, and an invitation to support survivors in their journey toward healing and empowerment. At the Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS), we dedicate ourselves to this cause not just in January but every day, with a heart centered on the well-being and resilience of those who have experienced the harsh realities of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.

 We are partnering with the The Silent Task Force to share an important initiative (created by The Silent Task Force) that could greatly impact our community: the establishment of an Ebony Alert system. A disproportionate number of missing persons are Black - as high as 40% - while Black individuals make up only 13% of the population in the country (Source: National Crime Information Center).  Black children make up 35% of kids that disappeared but only 7% on Black children are represented in the media. Studies show that there is a “racial bias” and “patterns of discrimination” in relation to media coverage and law enforcement support for missing Black individuals. These cases often go under-reported by law enforcement who in many cases dismissively label these missing individuals as runaways or prostitutes, which is far from the truth. We are victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking. 

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a crucial time to spotlight the intricate and often intertwined issues of domestic violence and Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE). The connection between domestic violence and sex trafficking is substantial and undeniable, with the modalities of trauma deeply woven into the lives of those impacted by both. This connection is not coincidental—many traffickers exploit the vulnerabilities created by domestic abuse to manipulate, control, and further subjugate their victims.

In moments when the world feels like it's spinning out of control, finding a way to ground ourselves can be a beacon of hope in the fog of distress. As survivors of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), engaging in grounding practices can bring a sense of peace and stability amidst the chaos. Remember, you're not alone, and your feelings are valid. Let's explore together some gentle, empowering ways to reconnect with yourself.

At the Organization for Prostitution Survivors, our communication is as intentional as our support. One concept we critically unpack is the notion of “rescue” often associated with the experiences of those surviving sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). The imagery of a dramatic rescue, where survivors are swiftly lifted from their situations of exploitation, is pervasive. Yet, this depiction simplifies an incredibly complex reality and doesn't honor the fullness of survivors' experiences.

The Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS) expresses grave concern regarding the proposed legislation outlined in agenda items by Council Members Moore and Kettle. While we recognize the intent to address commercial sexual exploitation and the surrounding violence, we firmly believe that the proposed measures will disproportionately harm the very individuals they claim to protect—those who are already among the most vulnerable and marginalized in our society. 

Seattle is bracing for the heat, providing numerous cooling centers in locations that include libraries, select wading pools, other water amenities, and the Seattle Center, anticipated to open its doors this month.

Finding the road to healing after surviving commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) is not an easy journey. It takes immense strength and courage to overcome the trauma endured. One crucial aspect of this healing process is building self-esteem.

Recovery from commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) is a courageous journey that requires survivors to prioritize their physical and mental well-being. Self-care plays a vital role in this healing process, as it helps reduce symptoms and improves overall well-being.

Let's explore the healing power of mindful deep breathing, especially for those who have experienced trauma from the world of CSE (commercial sexual exploitation). Meditation can serve as a nurturing practice for trauma survivors, offering a safe space to navigate and release stored tension, fear, and pain.

After a life of surviving commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) and trauma, it may feel like we're familiar with all the toxic signs of abuse. But what about the initial signs of manipulation, the ones that often go unnoticed until it's too late. Just like with abuse from exploitation and gaslighting, manipulation often starts with seemingly innocent behaviors that can have a deep and lasting impact.