You know that Safe Harbor supports victims of human trafficking, and you’ve likely heard of our shelter. And yes, we have two houses where participants live full-time while they are in the program. But did you know that our program actually provides comprehensive wrap-around services?
Many of our human trafficking clients are referred to the program through law enforcement and the courts, but we also take referrals from our hotline and community partners. Upon entering the program, they are brought to the human trafficking emergency shelter. They are given 7 days of “R&R”– this allows them to adjust to their new surroundings, meet other residents and staff, learn program rules and expectations, and simply decompress. When that period ends, they begin their active healing process.
Residents of our emergency shelter start their day by completing morning hygiene and taking any prescribed medications. They make breakfast together and do some physical activity (taking a walk or doing an in-home workout). Then comes commitment time– they may work on therapeutic workbooks, study for their GED, prepare for a driving test, or address any other personal work that needs to be done. An average day includes case management, medical appointments, and both individual and group therapy. They may also attend school, work, or intensive outpatient programs for substance use. In the evenings they have TV time, engage in skills groups, play card games, or attend AA/NA meetings. Many residents love their nail routines, so it’s not uncommon to see them doing their own or each other’s nails (and if you notice nail supplies on our Amazon Wishlist, that’s why!). Weekends include social outings. Each day ends with group dinner, chores, and nighttime medications.
Trafficking clients enter the program with an entirely different set of needs than those who come to Safe Harbor for shelter from sexual or domestic violence. We offer a number of services to address those needs: addiction treatment, safety planning, financial literacy, vocational development, community re-integration, and many skills groups such as nutrition, self-esteem, expressive writing, and Spanish language classes.
The house is staffed around the clock by Client Service Advocates and the human trafficking Leadership Team, made up of case managers and supervisors. The average length of stay in the residential program is based on stage progression, and typically ranges from seven months to a year. In the transitional house, stays may last up to two years or longer, if needed.
To support Safe Harbor’s Human Trafficking program, click here.