Advocates in Oklahoma City are emphasizing the importance of supporting human trafficking survivors as they recover and rebuild their lives after escaping exploitation. Following recent human trafficking investigations in Oklahoma City, advocates stress the importance of addressing survivors’ needs as they rebuild their lives.

Recovery Challenges

Melissa Eick, co-founder of Dragonfly Human Trafficking Victim Services, said law enforcement investigations are critical, but recovery begins after someone escapes trafficking. “People can make that choice themselves anytime, whether they’re in a trafficking situation right now, whether they were trafficked decades ago, they can call our 24-hour hotline,” Eick said.

Eick explained that every survivor’s needs are different. Some require emergency housing, food, and medical care, while others need counseling, help reconnecting with family, or support finding work and rebuilding their lives. “We help people get out of crisis mode, and we’re working toward stability. Then people move into things like getting their GED, going to school, reconnecting with their children. It’s really the sky’s the limit,” Eick said.

Eick also noted that trafficking often does not look the way people expect. Many victims are not physically restrained but are controlled through manipulation. “That can include being very controlled by another person. They don’t have control of their own identification, their money, when they eat or sleep. That level of control is always going to be present,” Eick said.

Dragonfly works with local, state, and federal law enforcement to connect survivors with services after they are recovered. The organization’s advocates are available 24 hours a day through its hotline for anyone who believes they or someone they know may be a victim.

Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.