Healing, Support, and Transition Services for Adults with Lived Experience of Sex Trafficking
Summary
This January 2025 report to the Legislature from the Washington State Department of Commerce, Office of Crime Victims Advocacy, covers Healing, Support, and Transition Services for Adults with Lived Experience of Sex Trafficking. It is submitted under Chapter 268, Laws of 2023 (Substitute Senate Bill 5114) and outlines progress in creating the Healing Support and Transition Services Program, described as a trauma-informed, survivor-centered network. Key achievements include 676 survivors served, with tailored care for foster youth and underserved groups. The conclusion says efforts will focus on geographic and demographic gaps, particularly in Clark County and tribal areas, with annual reporting starting in December 2025.
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
“Healing, Support, and Transition Services for Adults with Lived Experience of Sex Trafficking.”
Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2025-commercereports-2024-csd-lived-experience-with-sex-trafficking-2a-2790be7306/
, SHA-256 dd36ea626c38ad815d20b5b98afb1a2723f2f4cdd1beae65017df218572c88c0.Full text
Healing, Support, and
Transition Services for
Adults with Lived Experience
of Sex Trafficking
Submitted pursuant to Section 2(4(f)) of Chapter 268, Laws of 2023
January 2025
Report to the Legislature
OFFICE OF CRIME VICTIMS
ADVOCACY Director Joe Nguyễn
v3.5
Acknowledgments
Washington State Department of Commerce
Cindy Guertin-Anderson, Assistant Director
Community Services Division
Trisha Smith, Managing Director
Office of Crime Victims Advocacy
Stephanie Pratt, Program Manager
Victims of Crime Program
Office of Crime Victims Advocacy
Suzanne Hall, Management Analyst
Office of Crime Victim Advocacy
Katie Meehan, Policy and Community Relations
Manager
Community Services Division
Hyeeun Park, Policy Analyst
Community Services Division
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 7-1-1 and ask to be connected to 360-725-4000.
HEALING, SUPPORT, AND TRANSITION SERVICES FOR ADULTS WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SEX TRAFFICKING 2
Table of contents
Executive summary .........................................................................................................................................4
Program activities in 2024 ..............................................................................................................................5
Recommendations ............................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................................10
HEALING, SUPPORT, AND TRANSITION SERVICES FOR ADULTS WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SEX TRAFFICKING 3
Executive summary
This report, submitted under Chapter 268, Laws of 2023 (Substitute Senate Bill 5114), outlines progress in
creating the Healing Support and Transition Services Program. This trauma-informed, survivor-centered
network addresses gaps in care, prioritizes culturally specific services, and fosters trust among survivors of
sex trafficking. Key achievements include:
676 survivors served, with tailored care for foster youth and underserved groups.
Emphasis on inclusive demographic tracking and culturally specific programming.
Strategic use of funding to enhance service delivery and inform future policies.
Washington’s geographic and economic factors, including its role as a trade hub and home to people living in
vulnerable rural areas, underscore the importance of targeting resources where needs are greatest. Challenges
like systemic mistrust and limited public awareness complicate survivor outreach. By addressing these gaps,
the program fosters safety, stability, and recovery for survivors statewide.
Legislative mandate
This report is submitted pursuant to Section 2(4(f)) of Chapter 268, Laws of 2023, which requires Commerce's
Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA) to:
(f) By December 1, 2024, submit an initial report to the relevant committees of the legislature that includes the
following information by service providers:
(i) The number of clients served;
(ii) Nonidentifiable demographic data of the clients served, including whether clients are current or former
foster youth; and
(iii) Data on the services provided to clients
Key findings
676 survivors were served from January to September 2024.
13% of clients were current or former foster youth,1 underscoring the need for trauma-informed care
tailored to the unique vulnerabilities of this group.
Racial/ethnic breakdown: White (43%), Black/African American (16%), Hispanic/Latino (12%), Multiracial
(8%), Native American/Alaska Native (7%), Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian (1%), Asian (1%), Other (7%),
Not Reported (18%).
Gender identity: Most clients identified as female, but many individuals identified as male and non-binary.
This demonstrates the need for inclusive and culturally relevant care. While 3% identified as LGBTQIA+,
many victims and survivors chose not to share this information, indicating that the LGBTQIA+ population
may be underrepresented.
1 For some agencies, this percentage was closer to 30%; OCVA anticipates this may be a higher percentage overall than these initial
reports indicate. OCVA will continue to work with providers on best practices for capturing this important data set.
HEALING, SUPPORT, AND TRANSITION SERVICES FOR ADULTS WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SEX TRAFFICKING 4
Key services delivered
Housing and safety planning: Provided to ensure immediate safety and stability.
Medical and behavioral health services: Provided trauma-informed care and substance use treatment.
Legal advocacy: Offered support for immigration issues, vacating criminal records, and other civil legal
matters.
Culturally specific services: Healing and supportive services that are in alignment with culturally specific
practices and traditions.
Program activities in 2024
Staff allocation
Some of the staff supporting the Healing Support and Transition Services Program are also funded through
other grants. This includes both Commerce staff and staff at partner organizations. Sharing funding sources is
a common and effective practice, ensuring the sustainability of services and allowing providers to deliver
consistent, high-quality support to survivors.
Statewide organization
The Innovations Human Trafficking Collaborative (IHTC) serves as the lead organization coordinating services
for survivors across Washington. Key responsibilities include:
Providing tools, resources, and guidance to service providers.
Hosting quarterly meetings to share best practices and improve collaboration.
Strengthening statewide connections to ensure consistent, high-quality care.
This grant-funded effort, running from February 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, prioritizes better communication,
improved services, and stronger advocacy through a unified service network.
Data visualizations
The program tracks client data through the InfoNet system, capturing information such as race, ethnicity,
gender, housing status, disability status, and foster care involvement. Foster youth tracking includes a broad
definition, identifying individuals who have experienced care systems, regardless of state or dependency
status. This comprehensive tracking ensures services are responsive to the unique vulnerabilities of foster
youth.
The data in this report provides a clear picture of the ethnic and racial makeup of the clients served in 2024.
These charts are important for understanding who is being reached and where improvements might be
needed.
HEALING, SUPPORT, AND TRANSITION SERVICES FOR ADULTS WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SEX TRAFFICKING 5
Ethnicity of Clients Served
450 416
400
350
Number of Clients
300
250
200 178
150
100 82
50
0
Non-Hispanic/Non-Latino Not Reported Hispanic/Latino
Ethnicity
Figure 1. The bar chart breaks down clients by ethnicity: "Non-Hispanic/Non-Latino," "Hispanic/Latino," and "Not Reported." Each bar’s
height shows the client count in each group, with "Non-Hispanic/Non-Latino" as the largest, followed by "Not Reported" and
"Hispanic/Latino." This chart offers a quick look at the client population’s ethnic makeup.
Race of Clients Served
Asian 5
Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian 9
Other 44
African American, Black 106
Race
Not Reported 119
Multi Racial 55
Native American/Alaska Native 50
White 287
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Number of Clients Served
Figure 2. This chart shows the racial distribution of clients, with each row representing a group like White, Black, Native American,
Asian, and others. "Not Reported" includes clients who didn’t specify a race, giving a snapshot of racial diversity in the client base.
These charts provide insight into the diversity of the client base, helping to identify who is being served and
where services can be improved. This information is essential for making sure programs are inclusive and
meet the needs of all communities.
HEALING, SUPPORT, AND TRANSITION SERVICES FOR ADULTS WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SEX TRAFFICKING 6
Primary client services
The program offers a wide range of services to support survivors, with general advocacy being the most
frequently used service. General advocacy helps survivors access resources, navigate systems, work with law
enforcement or social services, and learn about their rights and options. This service plays a key role in
meeting immediate needs, building trust, and creating stability for survivors.
Other important services include medical and legal support, crisis intervention, support groups, therapy,
financial assistance, and housing support. Each service addresses specific challenges survivors face, ensuring
a well-rounded approach to recovery.
In 2024, the program recorded 7,585 entries — each representing an interaction or service provided to
survivors. A total of 676 individuals were served, with each client receiving multiple services. On average,
clients had about 11 interactions, highlighting the ongoing and comprehensive support provided. These efforts
also included more than 5,300 service hours, demonstrating the program’s deep commitment to helping
survivors heal and rebuild their lives.
Primary client services Entries Service hours
General advocacy 3,950 2,500
Medical advocacy 410 130
Legal advocacy 275 110
Civil legal aid 20 16
Crisis intervention 600 240
Information and referral 500 350
Therapy 360 400
Support groups 750 1,050
Emergency financial assistance 520 400
Transitional housing/Relocation assistance 200 150
Total 7,585 5,346
Partnerships and service coverage
The program collaborates with 12 organizations across 20 counties and eight tribes to provide culturally
responsive and trauma-informed care. Key service areas include urban centers like King County and
underserved rural and tribal communities.
Highlighted partnerships:
• API Chaya (King, Snohomish, Pierce Counties): Supports immigrant and Asian communities.
• Kalispel Tribe of Indians (Pend Oreille and Spokane Counties): Focuses on Native and rural populations.
• Mirror Ministries (Benton and Franklin Counties): Serves BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and foster youth.
HEALING, SUPPORT, AND TRANSITION SERVICES FOR ADULTS WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SEX TRAFFICKING 7
• Rebuilding Hope (Pierce and Kitsap Counties): Provides services for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+
communities.
However, significant gaps remain in Clark County, north-central Washington, and Yakima County, with a need
for tailored outreach to individuals with disabilities.
Grantees
Grant Period Location Service area/Counties Underserved areas and populations
1/10/24 - 6/30/25
API Chaya Western – Seattle King Immigrant communities
Snohomish Asian communities
Pierce Pacific Islander communities
Aurora Commons Western – Seattle Aurora Avenue People living in poverty
Seattle Aurora Avenue Track
Innovations Human Western – Olympia Primary focus: Olympia, Geographic area underserved
Trafficking Collaborative Thurston County No anti-human trafficking
Neighboring counties: Pierce, organizations in Thurston County
Mason, Lewis, Grays Harbor
Tribes: Nisqually, Chehalis,
Cowlitz, Puyallup, Quileute,
Tulalip, Lummi
Kalispel Tribe of Indians Eastern – Cusick Kalispel Tribe’s Usk reservation Rural communities
Second reservation land: Airway Native American communities
Heights Marshallese and Pacific Islander
Pend Oreille County communities
Spokane County African American communities
Surrounding rural areas Asian communities
Lutheran Community Eastern – Spokane Spokane Marshallese community
Services, Spokane Neighboring counties: Ferry, Latino communities
Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield
and Asotin
Mirror Ministries Central – Kennewick Primary focus: Benton, Franklin People who have aged out of
Yakima, Walla Walla, Columbia, foster care
when needed BIPOC communities
LGBTQ2+ community
Muslimahs Against Abuse Western – Seattle King East African community
Center
New Hope Eastern – Moses Lake Grant Rural communities
Adams Latino communities
Organization for Western – Seattle King People living in poverty
Prostitution Survivors BIPOC women
(OPS) People who are
unhoused/experiencing
homelessness
LGBTQ2+ community
Rebuilding Hope Western – Tacoma Pierce BIPOC community
South King LGBTQ2+ community
Kitsap
Real Escape from the Sex Western – Seattle King (primary) BIPOC
Trade (REST) Accepts referrals from outside LGBTQ2+
King County and across the state People living in poverty,
homelessness
HEALING, SUPPORT, AND TRANSITION SERVICES FOR ADULTS WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SEX TRAFFICKING 8
Grantees
Grant Period Location Service area/Counties Underserved areas and populations
1/10/24 - 6/30/25
Scarlet Road Western – Bremerton Kitsap Underserved geographic area
(Kitsap)
BIPOC
Incarcerated
LGBTQ
Male-identified individuals and
communities
Guatemalan community
Guamanian/Chamorro and
Filipino communities
Port Gamble S’klallam and
Suquamish Tribes
Culturally responsive services
Culturally responsive services integrate the traditions, values, and practices of survivors, fostering trust and
engagement. Examples include:
Native communities: Traditional healing practices like ceremonies, drumming, and weaving.
Multilingual outreach: Materials in Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and other languages to reach immigrant
populations.
LGBTQIA+ outreach: Partnerships with youth centers and community groups.
Staff training emphasizes inclusivity, improving support for communities of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and
other underserved groups. These efforts reduce barriers, build trust, and create effective support systems.
Examples of culturally responsive practices
Native communities: Incorporating traditional healing methods, such as ceremonies, elder consultations,
prayers, burning sweetgrass, weaving, and attending tribal events.
Survivor-led healing groups: Offering activities like beading, drumming, and weaving to foster healing and
cultural reconnection.
Trauma-informed care: Delivered by staff who share the cultural background of survivors, ensuring
culturally sensitive and empathetic support.
Multilingual and inclusive outreach
Outreach is designed to connect with diverse communities using multilingual materials and culturally
appropriate presentations, including:
Languages: Materials in Spanish, Russian, Marshallese, Arabic, and others to reach immigrant and non-
English-speaking populations. These languages were selected to target specific groups who are at higher
risk of exploitation or have historically been underserved due to language and cultural barriers. By
providing outreach in these languages, the program ensures inclusivity, builds trust, and improves access
for vulnerable populations.
Partnerships: Collaborations with local leaders, Native organizations, mosques, and cultural groups to
better serve Native and communities of color.
LGBTQIA+ communities: Partnerships with youth centers and local groups to provide targeted outreach
and support.
HEALING, SUPPORT, AND TRANSITION SERVICES FOR ADULTS WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SEX TRAFFICKING 9
Staff training and competency
Training programs focus on improving staff and partner ability to serve survivors from diverse backgrounds,
including:
• Communities of color, such as Black and Native communities.
• LGBTQIA+ individuals, emphasizing inclusive and respectful care.
By tailoring services to the cultural and linguistic needs of survivors, these approaches reduce barriers, build
trust, and create more effective support systems for all.
Client demographics and services
The program tracks client data through the InfoNet system, capturing information such as race, ethnicity,
gender, housing status, disability status, and foster care involvement. Foster youth tracking includes a broad
definition, identifying individuals who have experienced care systems, regardless of state or dependency
status. This comprehensive tracking ensures services are responsive to the unique vulnerabilities of foster
youth.
Data context
The data collection system captures key information about the individuals it serves, such as race, ethnicity,
gender, disability status, housing situation, age, and any prior involvement with the foster care system (which
is especially relevant to this funding). By looking at race and ethnicity data, it becomes easier to spot any
patterns or gaps in who accesses services. Details on gender and disability status give insight into specific
needs and whether people are getting the right kind of support. Housing status information can show if clients
are dealing with housing instability, which might affect their needs. Tracking foster care involvement allows
services to be better tailored to those with foster care experience. Some limitations exists when it comes to
breaking down, or disaggregating data. Certain categories might not have enough information or may rely on
data that does not capture the full picture.
Service and activity information is reported in InfoNet, a statewide data collection system for victim service
funding in Washington. InfoNet data is de-identified to maintain victim confidentiality as required by state law.
Foster youth tracking definition
In response to feedback from the Office of the Attorney General, providers track foster youth with a broad
definition, including those who went into care, regardless of whether they were found dependent or fostered
out of state. This ensures comprehensive tracking of services provided to current and former foster youth.
Conclusion
The Healing Support and Transition Services Program has made significant progress in establishing a trauma-
informed, survivor-centered network of care. Moving forward, efforts will focus on addressing geographic and
demographic gaps, particularly in Clark County, tribal areas, and underserved populations such as foster youth
and individuals with disabilities. Annual reporting, starting in December 2025, will ensure continuous
evaluation and improvement, guiding the program to deliver equitable, effective, and culturally responsive
services statewide.
HEALING, SUPPORT, AND TRANSITION SERVICES FOR ADULTS WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SEX TRAFFICKING 10
File and source
- File
- 2025_commercereports-2024-csd-lived-experience-with-sex-trafficking-2ae6316.pdf
- Size
- 315,688 bytes
- SHA-256
- dd36ea626c38ad815d20b5b98afb1a2723f2f4cdd1beae65017df218572c88c0
- Original
- No public link identified.