Economic and Mental Struggles for survivors
According to Polaris’s 2023 National Survivor Study, many survivors face ongoing challenges after escaping trafficking. For instance, 83% reported experiencing poverty, 93% dealt with mental health and substance abuse issues, and over 60% suffered financial abuse by traffickers, impacting their financial independence.
Legal Barriers Block Survivor Progress
Nearly 40% of survivors reported having a criminal record due to actions taken while trafficked, which creates significant barriers to accessing employment, housing, and social services. Survivors are also twice as likely to be unbanked compared to the general population, further complicating their recovery.
