Anti-trafficking and anti-slavery education and awareness events are becoming commonplace. At these events, survivors of slavery and human trafficking are sometimes asked to participate as a speaker or a panelist. Survivor participation is often limited to telling the worst experiences of their traumas. They also face boundary violations emotionally and physically, such as inappropriate touching. When that happens, there is little to no way for survivors to immediately assert that boundaries were violated because they may be on-stage and fearful of the power dynamics at play. Also, there is rarely any accountability of individuals or remediation of the problem available after these events.
The solution
We are asking individuals and organizations to sign on to this pledge and to make a commitment to creating safe and ethical interactions with survivors at all events. Signing this pledge also means that you are open to being held accountable for each item listed in the pledge sign-up box.
This pledge comes directly from survivors and may be used as part of contractual agreements when survivors agree to participate in events.
Talya I.,
Maria T.,
Satvika K.,
Great initiative.