Ethically Collaborating With Human Trafficking Survivor Leaders

People with lived experience of trafficking are increasingly called upon to do anti-trafficking work, yet little research has explored how this work affects their well-being. This qualitative study draws on semi-structured interviews with nine survivor leaders, using a tool co-developed by a research team that included individuals both with and without lived experience. Through thematic analysis, the study identified both benefits and harms associated with survivor leaders’ involvement in anti-trafficking work. Survivor leaders described harmful experiences including lack of inclusivity, re-exploitation, devaluing interactions, vicarious trauma, and poor pay. They also identified positive influences such as payment, organizational policies, and interpersonal interactions. This study provides the anti-trafficking sector a better understanding about how various policies, structures, and interpersonal interactions impact survivor leader well-being and provides recommendations on how to ethically collaborate with survivor leaders.