Human trafficking remains a pervasive issue preying upon the most vulnerable members of society. Amidst this darkness, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) provides support to survivors of human trafficking through its Trafficking Victims Assistance Program (TVAP) and Child Trafficking Victim Assistance Demonstration Program (Aspire). In the lead up to World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (July 30) we spoke with Gail Gutierrez, LSSNCA’s TVAP program coordinator to gain insights into the crucial work being done and the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way.
LSSNCA’s TVAP and Aspire programs aim to provide survivors with the necessary support and resources to rebuild their lives through its comprehensive case management service. This program offers a range of essential services to support their case on their immigration path, including medical assistance, support for enrolling in schools, and housing assistance. The United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) plays a crucial role in referring survivors and providing a grant to finance the programs provision of comprehensive case management for survivors of trafficking.
The program also connects clients with counseling services through LSSNCA’s CARE for Newcomers program. Since January 2023, LSSNCA has served 10 survivors of trafficking through TVAP and 7 through Aspire. Recognizing the significant need for mental health support, there is a plan to expand the program to ensure more individuals have access to mental health services.
The majority of our clients for TVAP and Aspire consist of women and girls of color hailing from Central America, many of whom have unfortunately been victims of sex trafficking. The program also provides assistance to men and boys who have fallen prey to labor trafficking.
This trend is reflected across the trafficking world. The prevalence of trafficking survivors is notably high among women of color, particularly with a significant representation from Central America. As 97% of the survivors LSSNCA serve hail from countries such as Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, Gail’s last 15- 20 years working with the Latina community, having completed her master’s degree in Mexico – where her husband is also from – and her fluency in Spanish play a critical role in her work. She’s able to understand cultural nuances and the specific challenges program participants face, allowing her to connect with them on a deeper level, fostering a sense of trust and safety.
The TVAP program serves clients for an average of one year. After a year, an assessment is done to gauge their level of vulnerability, focusing on ensuring survivors achieve stability, including a safe living environment, a means of income, and access to legal services.
Gail highlights the broken immigration system as a major hurdle when it comes to trafficking, “[t]he people that we help, even when we do our best, I can’t guarantee the outcome. The best I can do is show up and show that I care and I’m doing my best.” She also underscores the difficulty in finding pro bono lawyers, an ongoing issue compounded by limited resources in the realm of social services. Gail also notes that it’s “essential that the United States, statistically the largest consumer of sex trafficking in the world, acknowledge its contribution to the problem and refuse to turn a blind eye any longer.”
Yet, within the countless hurdles faced, Gail finds solace in witnessing the growth and resilience of survivors. She shares one particularly poignant story that touched her heart.
“She was a young woman who had come to Florida on a student visa.
Her vulnerability was palpable. The people she had initially stayed with had taken advantage of her in the worst ways imaginable – sexually and emotionally exploiting her. They manipulated her faith and cultural background, repeatedly telling her that she was ‘damaged goods’ and that she couldn’t return to her home country. In addition to being sexually and emotionally exploited, she had been working for free for her captor and the burden of the abuse she faced weighed heavily on her shoulders.
When she came to us, right after her captor passed away from a sudden stroke, she was already in a fragile state. Having endured unimaginable hardships, she found herself in a state of confusion and uncertainty. Alone in a foreign land, not knowing how to survive.
However, over the course of the past year, we had the privilege of witnessing her remarkable growth. She began to heal from the wounds inflicted upon her. We provided her with a safe space and support she needed to regain her strength and find a renewed sense of purpose.
This year, she faced another challenging ordeal – she had never undergone a women’s wellness exam before. For someone coming from a conservative country, this medical procedure was unfamiliar and daunting. Furthermore, her mother had died from ovarian cancer, adding an extra layer of anxiety to the situation.
… I offered her comfort and understanding during this vulnerable moment. I explained to her the importance of the exam and the necessity of taking care of her health. I was very happy that she overcame her fear and went through with the exam.
She has embarked on a remarkable journey of healing and self-discovery. As she nears obtaining her green card, she is gainfully employed and is slowly regaining control of her life.”
As a mother of two daughters, her story deeply affects Gail on a personal level. It’s difficult for her to comprehend how “such heinous acts can take place. My protective instincts are heightened due to the harrowing stories I come across. However, I am aware that my daughters are privileged and less likely to face such dangers, which also amplifies my sorrow for those from more vulnerable backgrounds.”
Learn more about how your voice and support can make a difference with suggestions on our advocacy page, and learn more abour our TVAP program here.
Serve Boldly 