COVID-19’s Impact on Survivors of Human Trafficking
It’s no secret that COVID-19 has impacted our world tremendously. This year has brought change for everyone, and there is an increased need for advocacy in the fight to end human trafficking. During this global crisis, many of you have come together through the Dressember COVID-19 Campaign to support survivors.
It has become increasingly evident that the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected human trafficking. As most doors have closed, there is a great need to protect women and children specifically from violence, as there are increased risks of abuse or exploitation both at home and online. Traffickers are also taking advantage of this opportunity to make money through the pandemic. As a result of economic shutdowns, many survivors of trafficking are finding themselves in a position of financial instability, leaving them vulnerable to be trafficked again.
Dressember Network partner Restore NYC has shared about this impact with us. The effect of COVID 19 is seen throughout the story of one survivor named Carmen.* Carmen is 28 years old and moved to the US at 19. She had been promised a job as a maid through a connection named Carlos. Hopeful at the thought of moving to a new country, she was excited to provide for both herself and her three-year-old son. Soon enough, her experience with moving took an unexpected turn. When she moved from Honduras to New York City, she quickly came to find out that there was no job as a maid waiting for her. Instead, she was told that she had to work at a massage parlor where she was coerced into having sex with customers to make money.
“I was so excited to move to a new country so I could make enough money for me and my son to survive, but I didn’t know I would soon be living in a nightmare. ”
After 6 years of being trafficked, a friend told Carmen about Restore NYC, where she was able to meet with a counselor and case manager. Through this, she began working at a local restaurant and met people that became like family to her.
When COVID-19 hit, the managers of the restaurant at which Carmen worked did everything in their power to save their business, but despite these efforts, the business could not survive. During this time, Carlos reached out to Carmen and asked if she wanted to work at the massage parlor once again. With everything in NYC closed, an inability to qualify for government benefits and nowhere to turn, this seemed to be the only option.
“Because of Restore, even when I can’t be with the people I love in person, I know I’m not alone. ”
Carmen spoke with her counselor about her fears of returning to the massage parlor and was pointed to Restore NYC’s relief fund. Dressember was able to provide emergency funding with Restore NYC through the COVID-19 campaign. Because of the relief fund, Carmen has been able to pay her bills as she actively looks for a safe place to work and meets regularly with volunteers to practice interviews.
Survivors of trafficking are often extremely vulnerable. Additionally, housing insecurity is a leading indicator of vulnerability to trafficking. As you could imagine, with no job due to the pandemic, it becomes extremely difficult to pay rent or afford a home. Carmen’s story puts in perspective how imperative it is that survivors of trafficking are provided resources to allow them to refrain from returning to a trafficking situation in the midst of the pandemic. Through organizations like Dressember and those in the Dressember Network, survivors like Carmen are provided a safe position to find work during this challenging time.
Restore NYC is part of the Dressember Network. By joining Dressember in the fight against human trafficking, you also join organizations around the world that are working to empower survivors and eradicate trafficking.
*Names in this story have been changed for the protection of individuals.
About the Author
Shannon Haupert is originally from the West Coast and is now navigating life in New York City. You can find her anywhere with a journal in one hand and snacks in the other. She is passionate about sustainability, human rights, and creativity. When she's not writing, she spends her time working as a nanny, exploring the city, and drinking far too much coffee along the way.