Rebuilding Lives: Amy's Journey and the Ongoing Fight Against Human Trafficking
On World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we recognize The Salvation Army’s quiet, collaborative efforts to support survivors and rebuild lives.
At 14, Amy* was trafficked from the United States into Mexico. Over the next five years, she endured violence, isolation, and the erasure of her identity. Her documentation was destroyed, and she was kept under tight control by a trafficker who was both manipulative and dangerous. At 19, four months pregnant and desperate for a way out, Amy found a brief moment to reach out to her mother.
Her mother, overwhelmed but determined, turned to The Salvation Army’s Santa Clarita Corps in Southern California. What followed was a quiet, coordinated effort involving Salvation Army staff in the U.S. and Mexico, the U.S. Embassy, and anti-trafficking specialists. Despite the risks and limited communication, a plan was developed to meet Amy discreetly and bring her to safety.
Amy’s mother flew to Mexico, and with temporary travel documents secured, the two were reunited and returned to Los Angeles. Amy was welcomed into a confidential Safe House operated by The Salvation Army’s Orange County Anti-Trafficking Services. Today, she is safe, supported, and making progress on her own terms.
Amy’s story is not unique. It reflects the complex realities of trafficking and the importance of sustained, collaborative support. The Salvation Army’s anti-trafficking work is rooted in partnership—with survivors, local organizations, legal service providers, and government agencies. The goal is not rescue, but restoration.
Across the United States, The Salvation Army operates 38 trafficking-specific and integrated programs, with 110 staff members dedicated to this work. Survivors are supported through housing, legal aid, case management, and peer-led programs. In 2023-4 alone, 3,524 survivors were served, 64,544 nights of housing were provided, and 433 individuals received transitional or long-term housing. Six survivors like Amy, were assisted in repatriation—an increasingly urgent need as foreign assistance funding shifts and longstanding partnerships, such as those with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), face limitations. Internationally, 1,018 repatriations took place in 2024.
Survivors supported by The Salvation Army come from over 40 countries, including Mexico, India, Haiti, Brazil, and the United States. Their experiences include sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and often both. Of those served:
- 80% identified as female, 17% male, and 3% transgender
- 15% were under the age of 18
- 75% experienced sex trafficking
- 20% experienced labor trafficking
- 5% experienced both
The Salvation Army’s approach is survivor-informed. Nine survivor leaders—individuals with lived experience—now serve in staff, consulting, and leadership roles throughout The Salvation Army in the United States. Their voices shape programs and offer peer support to others navigating recovery. One such leader, Jane*, once found refuge in the Seeds of Hope program. She now works as a case manager and recently returned to share her story with new residents. She left a note for staff that simply read:
“You and the program have changed my life.”
The work continues through awareness events, expert trainings, and outreach efforts. In 2024, over 37,000 people were reached through prevention and education initiatives. The Salvation Army also collaborates with faith-based communities, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and educational institutions to strengthen local responses.
On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we reflect on the realities of trafficking and the ongoing work to support survivors. The Salvation Army will continue to walk alongside individuals as they reclaim their lives—quietly, collaboratively, and with respect for their dignity and strength.
If you believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-3737-888 or text 233733 or reach out to your Territorial Anti-Trafficking Contact Person.
Take Action This World Day Against Trafficking in Persons Your support can make a difference for survivors like Amy.
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Learn more about The Salvation Army’s ongoing work to end human trafficking and walk alongside survivors on their journey to healing. Spot the Signs.