Your relationship with yourself is one of the most important ones you'll ever have. Yet, those of us who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) have often had to disconnect from ourselves in order to survive. As a result, our self-relationship may have become fragmented and toxic. But fear not, because there are ways to nurture it back into a healthy place.

After enduring extreme trauma from a life of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), it is completely understandable if you no longer like yourself. It's important to acknowledge the impact of that trauma and the challenges it can create on our self-perception. However, it's crucial to remember that healing and self-love are possible, even after such difficult experiences. You have the power to learn how to like yourself again, and maybe even turn that into love.

In the world of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), survivors often face a harsh reality that their value is often tied to their looks. The price they receive can be determined by their skin color, weight, hair, tattoos, and even their height. But stepping outside of that world opens the door to a new understanding: your worth should never be determined by your appearance. Unlearning this mindset may seem daunting, but it all begins with realizing your worth and embracing your true self.

Traumatic events, such as CSE, can leave a lasting imprint on our bodies. Our senses—smells, sounds, places, objects, people, emotional states—all become intertwined with the traumatic experience. Even when we are not consciously thinking about the trauma, our bodies instinctually respond to triggers, throwing us into a survival mode. The body remembers, and this remembrance can manifest in physical and emotional symptoms long after the trauma occurred.

You may be wondering, what is the difference between an ally and an accomplice? Some survivors express a preference for having an accomplice over an ally, but understanding the distinction is crucial.

Want to know how to be a strong and empowering friend when a survivor of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) confides in you and shares their story? In this blog post, we'll guide you through the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental space, offering unwavering support, and respecting their privacy and autonomy. Together, we can build a community that supports survivors and contributes to their healing and empowerment.

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.

In the fight against commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), it's crucial to address the various factors that perpetuate harm and hinder true healing. One trend we frequently encounter is the presence of a savior complex within individuals or organizations. While it may seem well-intentioned, a savior complex can have negative effects on both the savior and the individuals they aim to help.

In society's perception, survivors of trafficking are often portrayed as passive, powerless individuals. This notion of a "perfect victim" fails to capture the diverse realities and experiences of survivors. To effectively support those in need, it's crucial to challenge this limiting stereotype and acknowledge that there is no such thing as a "perfect victim or survivor." By doing so, we open the door to providing comprehensive care, understanding, and empowerment.

At the Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS), we understand the power of words and the lasting impact they can have. That's why we want to address the use of the terms "victim" versus "survivor" when referring to individuals who have experienced Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

While it may be appropriate to use the term "victim" in some cases, we believe that "survivor" is a better choice when acknowledging the strength and resilience of those who have faced sexual trafficking and violence.

Systemic inequalities and disparities make certain groups much more vulnerable to exploitation. Factors like poverty, limited access to education and job opportunities can push individuals into situations of trafficking. Let's understand how lack of choices contributes to this cycle.

Let's talk about familial trafficking which occurs about 41% of the time (according to a study in 2017).

What is familial trafficking?

Familial trafficking is when a family member or guardian is the individual’s trafficker or is the one to sell the person to a third-party trafficker.

At the Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS), we prioritize the well-being and experiences of survivors. Understanding the process of grooming in the sex industry is crucial in our collective efforts to combat trafficking and exploitation. Grooming refers to the insidious process by which traffickers manipulate and recruit their people.

Healing from sexual exploitation may often leave survivors burdened by guilt and shame.

These emotions can make it difficult to seek support and validate our own self-worth. But here at OPS, we want you to know that these feelings do not define you.

You are not responsible for the trauma inflicted upon you. The weight of guilt and shame can be lifted as we reclaim our power and rediscover our worth.

At OPS, we stand with survivors and offer essential resources for their healing and empowerment. We are proud to partner with @inkbyrobyn to provide free branding tattoo coverups to survivors of commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) in Seattle.

Trauma bonds can be overwhelming and make it challenging to escape abusive relationships. However, by understanding the stages of trauma bonding and incorporating strategies for breaking free into your healing journey, you can reclaim your life and find hope, resilience, and empowerment. Remember, you are deserving of a life free from exploitation, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can break the chains of trauma and build a future filled with healing and transformation.

We often hear about the challenging journey survivors face when trying to escape sex trafficking. One powerful way we can help those seeking freedom is by raising awareness about the tactics employed by traffickers to control individuals trapped in the sex trade. By shining a light on these methods, we can empower survivors and create a safer world for all.

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and at OPS, we stand in solidarity with this cause. We at OPS work to combat this gender-based violence by prioritizing the experiences and voices of survivors, empowering the community, and creating a safer world for all. Join us in raising awareness and taking action against human trafficking this month and beyond.