Services for Indigenous Survivors of Human Trafficking, Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (December 1, 2023)
- Issuer
- Congressional materials
- Document type
- 2023 Commerce Reports Indigenous Trafficking Victims Services Final Ea75939
- Case
- 2023 Commerce Reports Indigenous Trafficking Victims Services Final Ea75939
Summary
A report to the Legislature titled Services for Indigenous Survivors of Human Trafficking, issued December 1, 2023 by the Washington State Department of Commerce's Office of Crime Victims Advocacy pursuant to Chapter 251, Laws of 2022. It describes two grant programs created by the law: a Wraparound Services Pilot Project with a $400,000 appropriation and an Awareness Campaign with a $600,000 appropriation. The report states that Kalispel Tribe Victim Assistance Services and Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative received wraparound services grants, and that the Yarrow Project was the only awareness campaign grantee. It reprints the grant sections of the bill, summarizes federal and state trafficking definitions, and gives data on 684 clients served. The report closes with the Yarrow Project's poster texts, distribution of 102,960 flyers, and poster examples in Appendix A.
Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used
Cite this document
“Services for Indigenous Survivors of Human Trafficking, Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (December 1, 2023).”
Original at app.leg.wa.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2023-commerce-reports-indigenous-trafficking-victims-services-final-ea75939/
, SHA-256 745da487e6fa62ae2aaa394e681d53f4322b496def6ce0f79d5d4531f679e256.Full text
Services for Indigenous
Survivors of Human
Trafficking
Pursuant to Chapter 251, Laws of 2022
December 1, 2023
OFFICE OF CRIME VICTIMS
ADVOCACY Report to the Legislature
Director Mike Fong
v3.4
Acknowledgments
Washington State Department of Commerce
Rick Torrance, Managing Director, Office of Crime
Victims Advocacy
Stephanie Pratt, Program Manager, anti-human
trafficking lead, Office of Crime Victims Advocacy
Alice Zillah, Managing Director, Research and
Development Services Unit
1011 Plum St. SE
P.O. Box 42525
Olympia, WA 98504-2525
www.commerce.wa.gov
For people with disabilities, this report is available on
request in other formats. To submit a request, please
call 360-725-4000 (TTY 360-586-0772)
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 2
2.0
Table of Contents
Executive summary...................................................................................................................................... 4
Background ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Approach ................................................................................................................................................... 12
Grant activities .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Appendix A: Examples of posters created by The Yarrow Project ................................................................ 20
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 3
Executive summary
Overview
In 2022, the Washington Legislature passed Chapter 251, Laws of 2022 (HB 1571) and Governor Inslee signed
it into law. The bill concerned protections and services for Indigenous persons who are missing, murdered or
survivors of human trafficking. It directed the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA) to establish a
competitive grant program to fund a pilot project for wraparound services and, separately, to award grant
funding to increase the visibility and accessibility of services and resources for Indigenous survivors of
trafficking.
Wraparound services
The legislation directed OCVA to award funding to an eligible public agency, non-profit community group, or
non-profit treatment provider to establish a pilot project providing wraparound services to Indigenous survivors
of trafficking. The grant recipient was required to develop or maintain a center capable of providing
wraparound services to at least 50 Indigenous persons who are survivors of trafficking, including:
• Short-term and long-term shelter;
• Food;
• Nonemergency health care;
• Mental health counseling and treatment;
• Substance abuse prevention, assessment, and treatment;
• Case management and care coordination;
• Education and special education services;
• Vocational training;
• Legal services, protection, and advocacy; and
• Transportation.
The Legislature appropriated $400,000 for the Wraparound Services Pilot Project grants. OCVA program
managers released the request for proposals three times before awarding two grant contracts. Due to the
unanticipated delays (discussed further in the Approach section), the grants were issued for a six-month
period, beginning in late December 2022 and concluding on June 30, 2023. Each bidder could request up to
$200,000. Kalispel Tribe Victim Assistance Services (KTVAS) and Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative
(IHTC), based in Olympia, were recipients of the Wraparound Services grant.
During the grant period, KTVAS conducted outreach to increase awareness of support and resources available
to Indigenous survivors of sex and labor trafficking. They provided an outreach booth at 34 different events,
reaching 3,107 participants. Additionally, they presented to 30 attendees at the Lutheran Community
Northwest 2023 Human Trafficking Training and Awareness Reception.
During the six-month period, KTVAS was able to support 29 Indigenous survivors of sex trafficking. These
individuals were served primarily with:
• Emergency shelter (12)
• Rent charges (5)
• Relocation (2)
• Phones (16)
• Gas (22)
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 4
• Food (29)
• Clothing (29)
• Hygiene products (29)
• Application fees for identification cards (2)
• School tuition (1)
• Lock changes (4)
• Auto glass (1)
During the grant period, Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative (IHTC), based in Olympia:
• Conducted three weekly street outreach events.
• Co-hosted a large outreach event that connected 68 health, social and human service organizations
with more than 200 providers. In addition to professional collaboration, this outreach event served 372
individuals, 23 families, and 83 children.
• Produced and presented a four-hour training on trafficking and the crisis of missing and murdered
Indigenous women and people (MMIWP) to more than 50 Thurston County Public Health and Social
Service professionals.
• Organized and facilitated a series of traditional healing activities for survivors and those impacted by
trafficking.
• Launched a multi-week Survivor Support Circle led by a Native American traditional healer.
• Connected 36 individuals from five counties and out-of-state with services.
Awareness campaign
The legislation further directed OCVA to award grant funding to local agencies, non-profit community groups,
and non-profit treatment providers to increase the visibility and accessibility of services and resources for
Indigenous survivors of trafficking. OCVA was directed to award five grants to eligible applicants in cities west
of the crest of the Cascade Mountains, and five grants to applicants in cities east of the crest of the Cascade
Mountains.
Grant recipients were to develop a campaign to increase the visibility and accessibility of services and
resources for Indigenous persons who are survivors of human trafficking, including:
• Developing methods to help convey information discreetly and effectively, such as through the use of
easily recognizable logos and symbols;
• Increasing signage for relevant anti-trafficking hotlines in frequently visited areas, such as truck stops,
gas stations, and hotels; and
• Increasing online promotion.
The Legislature appropriated $600,000 for the Awareness Campaign grants. OCVA anticipated awarding ten
grant contracts for an eight-month period, beginning in late October 2022 and concluding on June 30, 2023.
Each bidder could request up to $60,000. Due to a limited number of applicants, the Yarrow Project was the
only recipient of the grant provided under Section 4 of the bill.
The Yarrow Project, based in Tacoma, was contracted to:
• Collaborate with two liaisons for the missing and murdered Indigenous persons to develop and
implement a campaign to increase the visibility and accessibility of services for Indigenous survivors of
human trafficking;
• Develop methods to convey information discreetly and effectively;
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 5
• Increase signage for relevant anti-trafficking hotlines in frequently visited areas; and
• Increase online promotion.
After a collaborative process working with the Washington State Patrol liaisons and partner agencies, the
Yarrow Project created six fliers to increase awareness of labor and sex trafficking (see Appendix A for
examples of the posters). More than 100,000 posters were printed and distributed across the state.
The grantees' other accomplishments are described in full in the section Grant Activities.
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 6
Background
The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA) serves as a voice within state government for the needs of
crime victims in Washington State. OCVA administers state and federal funds for services to assist individuals
who have experienced hurt, harm, trauma or crime.
In 2022, Chapter 251, Laws of 2022 passed and initiated projects to increase the visibility and accessibility of
services and resources for Indigenous persons who are survivors of labor and/or sex trafficking. The bill
language creating the two grant programs is reprinted below.
Wraparound services
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. (1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the
department of commerce's office of crime victims advocacy shall award grant funding to establish a pilot project
providing wraparound services to Indigenous persons who are survivors of trafficking.
(2) The department shall establish a competitive grant program to award funding for the pilot project by September
1, 2022.
(3) Public agencies, federally recognized tribes, non-profit community groups, and non-profit treatment providers,
including organizations which provide services such as shelter, counseling, and 19 case management, are eligible to
compete for grant funding.
(4) The grant recipient shall use the grant funds to develop or maintain a center capable of providing wraparound
services to at least 50 Indigenous persons who are survivors of trafficking, including: (a) Short-term and long-term
shelter; (b) Food; (c) Nonemergency health care; (d) Mental health counseling and treatment; (e) Substance abuse
prevention, assessment, and treatment; (f) Case management and care coordination; (g) Education and special
education services; (h) Vocational training; (i) Legal services, protection, and advocacy; and (j) Transportation.
(5) The grant recipient shall provide a report to the department on the results of the pilot project by October 1, 2023.
The department shall provide a report on the pilot project to the governor and appropriate committees of the
legislature by December 1, 2023.
(6) This section expires January 1, 2024.
Awareness campaign
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. (1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the
department of commerce's office of crime victims advocacy shall award grant funding to increase the visibility and
accessibility of services and resources for Indigenous persons who are survivors of trafficking.
(2) The office of crime victims advocacy shall establish a competitive grant program to award funding by September
1, 2022.
(3) Local agencies, federally recognized tribes, nonprofit community groups, and nonprofit treatment providers
currently engaged in providing services or resources to survivors of human trafficking are eligible to compete for
grant funding.
(4) The department shall award 10 grants, five to eligible applicants in cities west of the crest of the Cascade
mountains and five to eligible applicants in cities east of the crest of the Cascade mountains.
(5) Grant recipients shall collaborate with the two liaisons for missing and murdered Indigenous persons pursuant to
RCW 43.43.874 to develop and implement a campaign to increase the visibility and accessibility of services and
resources for Indigenous persons who are survivors of human trafficking, including:
(a) Development of methods to help convey information discreetly and effectively, such as through the use of easily
recognizable logos and symbols;
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 7
(b) Increased signage for relevant anti-trafficking hotlines in frequently visited areas, such as truck stops, gas
stations, and hotels; and
(c) Increased online promotion.
(6) Grant recipients shall provide a report to the department on the results of their campaigns by October 1, 2023.
The department shall provide a report to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1,
2023.
(7) This section expires January 1, 2024.
Human trafficking
Federal law
The Federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 was the first law passed to combat the
trafficking of persons. The Act was amended by the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act in
2003, 2005, 2008, 2013 and 2017. The law focuses on combatting “severe forms of trafficking in persons” and
provides an approach that includes prevention, protection and prosecution.
Under the TVPA, “severe forms of trafficking in persons” includes both sex and labor trafficking as defined in
22 USC § 7102 and means:
• Sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the
person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age.
• Labor trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision or obtaining of a person for
labor or services through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to
involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.
Washington State law
Under Washington State law:
• Sex trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the
purposes of a commercial sex act, in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or
coercion.
• Labor trafficking is when an individual recruits, harbors, transports, transfers, provides, obtains, buys,
purchases or receives by any means another person knowing, or in reckless disregard of the fact, that
force, fraud, or coercion will be used to cause the person to engage in forced labor or involuntary
servitude.
Impacts on Indigenous Persons
For this report, Indigenous individuals, communities and tribes reflect those who are “Native American”
originating in Washington. As explained by the 2022 Interim Report of the Washington State Missing and
Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force, "Violence against Indigenous people is not a new
phenomenon, but rather the product of harmful and oppressive federal and state policy, broken promises, and
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 8
unchecked violence. For generations, American Indian and Alaska Native women experienced disproportionate
levels of violence and injustice, while perpetrators escaped accountability."1
In 2019, Chapter 127, Laws of 2019 was signed into law, aimed at improving the law enforcement response to
missing and murdered Native American women. The legislation's findings read, "The legislature finds that
Native American women experience violence at much higher rates than other populations. A recent federal study
reported that Native American women are murdered at rates greater than ten times the national average. Many
of these crimes, however, are often unsolved or even unreported because there are also very high rates of
disappearance for Native American women.
The legislature further finds that although violence against Native American women has been a neglected issue
in society, there is a growing awareness of this crisis, as well as a recognition that the criminal justice system
needs to better serve and protect Native American women. The legislature intends to find ways to connect state,
tribal, and federal resources to create partnerships to find ways to solve this crisis facing Native American
women in our state while being mindful to include voices from both tribal and urban communities." 2
Chapter 127, Laws of 2019 created two liaison positions for missing and murdered Indigenous women and
other persons at the Washington State Patrol. The Yarrow Project collaborated with the liaisons to develop and
implement the campaign to increase the visibility and accessibility of services and resources for Indigenous
persons who are survivors of human trafficking.
Data on trafficking survivors/victims
Accurate data on labor and sex trafficking is difficult to obtain due to the fear, coercion, threats and
exploitation of multiple vulnerabilities by perpetrators. Traffickers use a variety of tactics to control and
manipulate individuals, such as violence, threats, promises, withholding of basic needs such as food, and
others that exploit their vulnerabilities. Children, youth and adults who may have experienced labor and/or sex
trafficking generally do not identify as a “victim” or “survivor” or disclose what they have experienced. Often,
individuals don't know what has or is happening to them is labor or sex trafficking.
OCVA requires grantees to collect demographic data on the clients they serve. The questions are optional, and
no one is denied services if they do not wish to provide information. Tables 1 through 4 below give an overview
of survivors/victims served from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, and the type of trafficking they
experienced. A total of 684 clients received services during the fiscal year.
In addition to the demographic data shown below, 29% of trafficking survivors who sought and received
services were homeless, and 24% experienced one or more disabilities.
Often, data can assist with identifying the incidence rate of crime(s), individuals impacted and additional
information. Data related to human trafficking is unique. Data related to labor and sex trafficking assists with
identifying a portion of the incidence rate but does not tell the whole story of what is occurring.
1 Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force | Washington State
2 1713-S2.SL.pdf (wa.gov)
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 9
Table 1: Age of trafficking survivors/victims served by OCVA
300
257
250
200
159
150
102
91
100
45
50
11 5 8 6
0
0
Age_1-11 Age_12-17 Age_18-24 Age_25-59 Age60+
Labor Sex
Trafficking Trafficking
Source: OCVA, Human Trafficking Demographics, July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023
The majority (61%) of trafficking survivors who received services are between the ages of 25 and 59.
Table 2: Gender of trafficking victims served by OCVA
450 407
400
350
300
250
200
150 114 100
100
33
50 1 15
0
Male Female Self Identifies as non-binary,
gender non-conforming or
intersex
Labor Sex
Trafficking Trafficking
Source: OCVA, Human Trafficking Demographics, July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023
Males composed a slight majority (53%) of labor trafficking victims, and females made up the large majority
(89%) of sex trafficking victims.
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 10
Table 3: Ethnicity of trafficking victims served by OCVA
250
220
200
159
144
150
100 88
52
50
21
0
Non-Hispanic/Non-Latino Hispanic/Latino Not Reported
Labor Sex
Trafficking Trafficking
Source: OCVA, Human Trafficking Demographics, July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023
Two-thirds (66%) of labor trafficking survivors receiving services identified as Hispanic or Latino, whereas just
19% of sex trafficking survivors identified this way.
Table 4: Race of trafficking victims served by OCVA
250 223
200
150
102
100 74
60
39 45 40
50 29 25
15 13 10
3 1 0 5
0
Labor Sex
Trafficking Trafficking
Source: OCVA, Human Trafficking Demographics, July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023
Close to half (48%) of sex-trafficked persons identified as white. Thirty-four percent of labor trafficked persons
identified as "other," with an additional 21% choosing not to report their race.
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 11
Approach
OCVA issued a competitive procurement for the Wraparound Services Pilot Project, subtitled Funding to
Support Indigenous Victims/Survivors of Labor and Sex Trafficking. Eligible applicants were required to
demonstrate a history of effective person-centered support, assistance and outreach to victims/survivors of
labor and/or sex trafficking and/or individuals at risk of labor and/or sex trafficking. Non-tribal applicants were
required to demonstrate a history of effective engagement and working with Indigenous individuals,
communities and tribes.
The request for proposals (RFP) was released in May 2022, but no applicants responded. OCVA released the
RFP a second time in September 2022, and there were no apparently successful bidders. The third time the
RFP was released in October 2022, there were three applicants, and two were awarded funding (Kalispel Tribe
Victim Assistance Services (KTVAS) and Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative (IHTC)).
In September 2022, OCVA launched an RFP for the Awareness Campaign, subtitled Funding to Increase
Visibility and Accessibility of Services and Resources for Indigenous Victims/Survivors of Labor and Sex
Trafficking. No applicants responded to the first RFP. OCVA rereleased the RFP in September 2022, and two
applicants responded. One applicant was awarded funding (the Yarrow Project).
Challenges
Few applications
One challenge the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy faced was getting applicants to apply for the grants. The
two RFPs were released twice, with no applicants responding. To learn why potential grant recipients elected
not to apply for the wraparound services grant, OCVA solicited input from tribes and non-tribal organizations in
June 2022. They provided the following information:
• Some reported not seeing many instances of trafficking. The client did not want to talk about their
experiences for the cases they did see.
• One tribe reported it is focused on preventative measures.
• One tribe reported a rise in crime in other areas, such as with casinos, requiring their attention.
• A tribe indicated they are focused on issues such as substance abuse and children in foster care.
• A tribe reported multiple time-sensitive projects related to funding applications and renewal grants.
• One tribe planned to apply but didn’t make the deadline.
• One tribe saw the announcement and the project length (10 months) and decided it was "…not worth it
to apply."
• One tribe's grant writer was retiring, resulting in no one being available to apply.
• Tribes reported that multiple staff and advocates have transitioned out and their programs are short-
staffed.
Non-tribal organizations were also consulted. An Eastern Washington current human trafficking grantee told
OCVA, “I did see it and didn't apply as we serve very few Indigenous clients.”
The stigma around human trafficking
KTVAS reported that they see the impacts of stigma against human trafficking victims and misunderstanding
about the issue among law enforcement:
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 12
"One significant area of remaining need with regard to serving those hurt and harmed by human
trafficking, is the general sentiment that many individuals do not see themselves as victims, despite
displaying apparent symptoms, and experiencing coercion and control that keeps them disempowered.
Some individuals see themselves as independently choosing their lifestyle. Force, fraud, and/or coercion
has made individuals blame themselves or downplay the reality of what is happening. KTVAS supports
victims seeking to escape coercive, controlling, and disempowering situations when they are ready to do
so, offering support, resources, referrals, and information to victims of human trafficking to assist them in
their healing process in order to move forward to pursue and achieve physically and mentally healthy lives.
Additional areas of remaining need include training for law enforcement agencies so that responding
officers will be empowered to recognize signs of force, fraud, and coercion clearly and confidently in sex
and labor trafficking cases. KTVAS has experienced the difficulty with stigma surrounding human
trafficking, and what human trafficking actually is, and looks like, among first responders. There are times
when sex trafficking is mistaken for sex work, and the signs of force, fraud, and coercion are unseen or
neglected by responding officers. Further training will empower officers to correctly identify victims of sex
trafficking, and correctly charge sex traffickers."
Condensed timeline
According to IHTC, the most notable challenge with the implementation of the project was the condensed
timeline. In their experience, "deep, meaningful connections are necessary for effective tribal collaboration –
however, these connections and trust take time/consistency to develop."
Lack of affordable housing
KTVAS reported that the lack of affordable housing for victims of human trafficking due to the ongoing
housing crisis in Spokane presented a "significant setback." According to KTVAS, housing market prices have
increased, which limits their ability to "consistently secur[e] the kind of rental assistance the agency could once
provide…. it can take as much as five to six thousand dollars to get a client comfortably situated."
Further, KTVAS indicated that Spokane has a severe overcrowding issue in available shelters. "If those victims
have boys over the age of thirteen who need to stay with them, the crisis is even greater, as boys over the age
of thirteen cannot stay with their mothers in shelters," according to KTVAS. Other trafficking victims may not
be comfortable in an extended motel stay. These challenges can contribute to victims of human trafficking
staying in unsafe situations, as they don’t feel empowered, safe, or comfortable to leave.
KTVAS has secured a transitional living apartment, increased MOUs with hotels and motels, and advocates for
their clients with landlords who may be reluctant to accept trafficking victims as tenants.
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 13
Grant activities
Wraparound services provided by Kalispel Tribe Victim Assistance
Services
The Kalispel Tribe has jurisdiction over two reservations, one urban and one rural. The traditional reservation,
in northern Pend Oreille County, consists of a narrow sliver of flood plain along the Pend Oreille River. The
tribe's second reservation is located in Airway Heights, adjacent to Spokane.
In 2014, Kalispel Tribe Victim Assistance Services (KTVAS) expanded to the Spokane metropolitan area to
serve both the one-third of the Kalispel tribal population living there and the entire American Indian and Alaska
Native (AI/AN) population of more than 10,000. KTVAS today provides the only victim-centered, culturally
informed sexual assault and human trafficking services for AI/AN in the Spokane region. Services include a 24-
hour hotline; legal and medical advocacy; advocate’s support; counseling, including crisis intervention and
referral; education and outreach.
KTVAS has continually received the guidance and support by the Kalispel Tribal Council and administration to
provide strong, culturally sensitive advocacy to Tribal and community members, employees, and all Native
American people from any tribe. The KTVAS service population includes both English and non-English
speaking individuals and has a contracted interpreter agency on call to assist in communicating with any
individuals that are non-English speaking. The organization offers both resources and service agencies to
assist and provide wraparound services requested to help an individual who has been hurt or harmed by
human trafficking.
Wraparound services: Victim services
KTVAS provides victim services that are compassionate, trauma-informed and culturally relevant for Native
American victims of human trafficking. KTVAS advocates and a licensed Native American counselor provided
wraparound services to Indigenous victims of trafficking throughout the grant project period.
“I appreciate you guys so much. I didn’t realize how dangerous this life really is for me, so thank you for
bringing me to reality and helping me.”
-KTVAS supported survivor
KTVAS observed that it takes time for individuals to disclose information about their victimization or to see
themselves as victims. KTVAS aims to help individuals build long-lasting, trust-based, judgment-free
relationships, regardless of their circumstances. In addition, KTVAS advocates provide additional educational
opportunities and outreach by participating in awareness events and attending tribal and local community
events, school functions, hosting assemblies, and spreading awareness to students, staff, and parents.
KTVAS provides 24/7 support through an emergency hotline, connecting survivors to mobile and in-person
advocates. During the six months, Kalispel was able to support 29 survivors of sex trafficking. These
individuals were served primarily with:
• Emergency shelter (12)
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 14
• Rent charges (5)
• Relocation (2)
• Phones (16)
• Gas (22)
• Food (29)
• Clothing (29)
• Hygiene products (29)
• Application fees for identification cards (2)
• School tuition (1)
• Lock changes (4)
• Auto glass (1)
The KTVAS staff utilizes a victim-centered approach to address trauma’s consequences specific to a Native
American community to facilitate healing. The program receives guidance and support from an Advisory Board
of tribal elders and spiritual leaders.
The grant to KTVAS did not fund staff or full time equivalent costs, but rather goods and services to meet
clients' basic needs, including traditional healing and other related activities. Advocacy services were funded
via another funding source and provided by Native American advocates with many years of experience. They
offered:
• Crisis intervention
• Emergency psychological care
• Medical advocacy
• Financial support for bus transportation, gas, food, clothing, rent, hygiene products, security cameras,
cell phones for communication needs, application fees to apply for housing as well as educational
application fees, and even car repairs
• Emergency shelter
• Counseling
• Legal Advocacy
• Community-based support through cultural gatherings or other traditional methods, as requested
• Other resources for the transitional times in which victims are fleeing their current situations
KTVAS staff used the grant to assist those impacted by human trafficking with culturally informed healing.
Examples include connecting individuals to the counsel of a Tribal Elder, participating in Talking Circles and
providing them with sage, sweetgrass, beading and basket weaving supplies. Survivors were further provided
with resources for cultural healing, such as local sweat lodges for men and women and local ceremonies and
events.
In working with many victims of sex and labor trafficking, KTVAS provides counsel to help them see the risks
and dangers inherent in their situations, which are diverse and varied. A KTVAS advocate received a message
from a young woman after a sting operation which read, “I appreciate you guys so much. I didn’t realize how
dangerous this life really is for me, so thank you for bringing me to reality and helping me.”
Wraparound services: Outreach
KTVAS advocates engaged in community outreach, providing community education and awareness toward
ending labor and sex trafficking in the Kalispel communities of Pend Oreille and Spokane Counties.
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 15
Throughout this project period, KTVAS advocates established collaborative working relationships with relevant
partners. They initiated MOUs with tribal and non-tribal courts, law enforcement agencies, and surrounding
schools and colleges, including Eastern Washington University. KTVAS also formed partnerships with service
providers in multiple jurisdictions.
Additional good working relationships with federal, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies have allowed
KTVAS to serve as boots-on-the-ground helpers, advocating for the needs of human trafficking victims at the
site of sting operations where advocates have an active presence to assist individuals who have been hurt and
harmed by sex trafficking. Additionally, KTVAS has facilitated officers in obtaining hands-on training from
program staff.
During the grant period, KTVAS conducted outreach for both sex and labor trafficking. They provided an
outreach booth at 34 different events, reaching 3,107 participants. Additionally, they presented to 30 attendees
at the Lutheran Community Northwest 2023 Human Trafficking Training and Awareness Reception.
Wraparound services provided by Innovations Human Trafficking
Collaborative
Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative (IHTC) is a survivor-led non-profit organization based in Olympia,
dedicated to combating human trafficking and supporting survivors. Its mission is to engage first responders,
tribes, and other stakeholders in eliminating human trafficking through solution-based knowledge and trauma-
informed strategies and to empower survivors to heal and build self-sufficient, affirming lives.
Wraparound services: Traditional healing activities
During the grant period, IHTC supported five Native American traditional healing activities focusing on mental,
physical, and spiritual health and providing a holistic approach to healing and wellness. Early in the process,
three traditional healers from the Nisqually Indian Tribe visited the IHTC workspace in Olympia and met
with/blessed the advocates, resource navigators and workspace. This was a rewarding and memorable
experience for everyone involved.
IHTC started a multi-week Survivor Support Circle, led by an experienced Native American traditional healer,
that utilized beading, stone polishing and fine metal-working in the healing process. The traditional healer was
a leader in the Wellbriety movement, which teaches how to find sobriety from addictions and to recover from
the harmful impacts it has on individuals, families and whole communities.
IHTC’s survivor support circle began with taking clients to the river. A small but important ceremony of prayer
and gift-giving to the water was conducted. During this grounding, survivor circle participants spent their time
collecting rocks, shells, and wood to create bonds with the environment and Mother Earth.
Throughout the month, survivors were taught beading, stone polishing and jewelry-making from the items they
collected at the river. The jewelry is a constant reminder that we might start as a small, insignificant rock. Still,
through hard work and determination – we can be a gem that brings happiness.
IHTC connected Indigenous trafficking survivors to:
• Traditional healers
• Survivor support circle
• Wellbriety information and meetings
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 16
• Sweats
• Smudging
• Prayer
• Plant teachings
IHTC reported, "Some clients are familiar with the traditional practices, and it is merely a familiarization. Other
clients who grew up in boarding schools and foster care may not be as familiar and benefit greatly from
connection to their culture."
One trafficking survivor assisted by IHTC was actively fleeing their trafficker. Within 12 hours of the initial call,
an IHTC advocate could access a safe, secure facility for the individual. IHTC’s advocate met with the survivor
multiple times per week as she healed from the trauma she experienced and was fortunate to celebrate her
first sober birthday in over two decades. The survivor continues to thrive and has transitioned into a clean and
sober living home.
Wraparound services: Referrals
IHTC received 13 referrals from 36 individuals during the grant period and connected them to services. These
survivors were from the following counties:
• Thurston (5)
• Pierce (1)
• King (2)
• Snohomish (1)
• Grays Harbor (1)
• Out of State (1)
• Not-reported (2)
Wraparound services: Outreach
IHTC conducted in-person meetings and educational events with:
• The Commander of the Tumwater Police Department to discuss IHTC’s Indigenous wraparound
services
• Providence St. Peter Hospital’s Perinatal Committee and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners
• Puyallup Tribe of Indians’ Community Celebration to honor the tribal policy work of the 2023 Legislative
Session (MMIWP Task Force and State Attorney General’s Office)
• Executive leadership from Kitsap County anti-trafficking organization, Scarlett Road
• Advocate/Resource Navigator meeting with Grays Harbor County domestic violence and sexual assault
services provider, Beyond Survival
Additionally, IHTC produced a four-hour training on Sex/Labor Trafficking and MMIWP for more than 50
Thurston County Public Health and Social Service professionals.
IHTC conducted three weekly street outreach events and co-hosted a large biannual outreach event that
connected 68 (health, social, and human service) organizations with more than 200 providers in a single
location. In addition to professional collaboration, this outreach event served 372 individuals, 23 families, and
83 children.
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 17
This project has addressed the unique and self-determined needs of Indigenous survivors of labor trafficking
by sharing information and educating people on what labor trafficking is. IHTC’s advocate has spent
considerable time working with her caseload on their needs. Still, she takes the time to listen and learn about
the individual’s experiences that led them to this point. One survivor was unaware of their labor trafficking until
information and education were shared with them by their IHTC advocate. Previously, they thought it was “just
a messed up chapter in my life."
Awareness campaign provided by the Yarrow Project
Based in Tacoma, the Yarrow Project is dedicated to encircling and supporting Indigenous survivors of
violence by engaging the community, connecting to culture, and dismantling systems of harm.
Awareness campaign: Creating flyers
The Yarrow Project worked collaboratively with multiple organizations to design the layout and wording for the
posters, including:
• CIERTO is an organization that collaborates with employers and federal agencies to facilitate recruiting
for the H2A and H2B visa programs
• The Washington State Patrol, which employs the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP)
liaisons
• Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative
• Columbia Legal Services, which represents individuals trafficked in farm labor
The Yarrow Project also convened a focus group composed of Indigenous survivors of sex and labor
trafficking, who suggested using direct and clear messages on the posters. Their feedback indicated they
disliked imagery of "flowers, stars, plants" and requested imagery of feathers and the colors of medicine
wheels.
The six posters developed as a result of a multi-month collaborative process read:
Poster 1: Have you ever been in the commercial sex industry? There are resources for you. Call the
National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888
Poster 2: Have you ever traded sex for money, safety, drugs, food, a place to stay? There are resources for
you. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888
Poster 3: Are you being forced to have sex for money or something of value against your will? There are
resources for you. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888
Poster 4: Are you being forced to work or perform services against your will? Do you owe money to an
employer or recruiter and are not being paid what you were promised or are owed? There are resources for
you. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888
Poster 5: have you ever felt pressured by your employer to stay in a job or situation you’ve wanted to leave?
Are you being threatened by their boss with deportation or other harm? There are resources for you. Call
the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888
Poster 6: Are you being forced to work or perform services against your will? Are you working in dangerous
conditions, without proper safety gear, training, adequate breaks and other protections? There are
resources for you. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888
Please see Appendix A for examples of the posters.
Awareness Campaign: Distributing flyers
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 18
The Yarrow Project printed 102,960 flyers in total, 17,160 of each version. The project distributed the posters at
in-person events in Western Washington and mailed 200 boxes to partner organizations across Washington,
including Indigenous non-profits, tribes, DV/SA direct service providers, healthcare providers and shelters. The
first round of materials was printed and distributed at a statewide MMIWP annual event with thousands of
Indigenous people in attendance.
In addition, the Yarrow Project staffed a table at the Muckleshoot Powwow. It distributed the posters to
thousands of Tribal members from across western Washington.
Awareness campaign: Online promotion
The Yarrow Project could not implement the online campaign due to funding challenges and an unexpected
lack of availability from the WSP liaisons.
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 19
Appendix A: Examples of posters created by The Yarrow
Project
Example 1
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 20
Example 2
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 21
Example 3
SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 22
File and source
- File
- 2023_commerce-reports-indigenous-trafficking-victims-services-final-ea75939.pdf
- Size
- 773,386 bytes
- SHA-256
- 745da487e6fa62ae2aaa394e681d53f4322b496def6ce0f79d5d4531f679e256
- Original
- app.leg.wa.gov