Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] Awareness Month and Standing Against Exploitation

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] Awareness Month, a time to honor the strength it takes to heal from trauma and to deepen our collective understanding of how trafficking and exploitation can impact survivors long after the experience ends. At Wellspring Living, we know that the path to healing is often complex and changing—and we are dedicated to creating spaces where survivors feel safe, seen, and supported.

As conversations about sexual exploitation and trafficking continue in the public sphere because of complexities like the Diddy trial, it is more important than ever that we center truth, compassion, and resources in the conversation. Many survivors don’t recognize that what they experienced is exploitation right away, especially when manipulation or coercion comes from someone close—like a family member or romantic partner. This dynamic creates power imbalances that are difficult to name, let alone escape.

There is often a myth that kidnapping is required to qualify as trafficking—but that is not the case. Exploitation can happen in familiar places, including at home. In some cases, survivors are led to believe they must exchange sex to meet their basic needs—like a place to sleep or eat. Often referred to as “survival sex”—many may not see it as trafficking until they’ve had access to safe support systems and trauma-informed care.

At Wellspring Living, we’ve served women and youth ages 12 and older for more than two decades, offering trauma-informed services, housing, therapy, education, and life skills development. Our goal is to not only help survivors recover—but to help them thrive.

We also recognize that public awareness plays a powerful role in prevention and recovery. That’s why the Wellspring Living Institute offers training for professionals and community members of all ages. Education is key to equipping our communities with the tools to recognize and respond to exploitation when it occurs.

For anyone unsure how to respond when someone shares an experience of exploitation, we encourage this: start with compassion, not judgment. Survivors need support, not shame.

Resources for Support:

• Wellspring Living | wellspringliving.org
  Residential care, trauma therapy, and job/life skills training for women and girls
• Youth Spark | youth-spark.org
  Advocacy and legal services for youth affected by trafficking
• Street Grace | streetgrace.org
  Community outreach and prevention programs to end child exploitation
• National Human Trafficking Hotline | 1-888-373-7888 or text BEFREE (233733)
• National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) | 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
• Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Call or text 988

For training opportunities or to bring awareness education to your group or organization, contact the Wellspring Living Institute at institute@wellspringliving.org.

As we close out this month, may we all remember that healing is possible, and that our awareness, support, and advocacy are powerful tools in creating a world where survivors not only recover—but thrive.

Christian Murphy
Chief Executive Officer
Wellspring Living