Breaking the Chains: Stories of Survivors and Activists in the Fight Against Human Trafficking

How Do I Avoid the Savior Mindset in Anti-Trafficking Advocacy?

The third episode of Breaking the Chains features Rhonelle Bruder, the Founder and Executive Director of Project iRISE. As a doctoral student in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Rhonelle approaches her research on gender violence and human trafficking through an intersectional and critical lens. During our conversation, Rhonelle sheds light on how broader systems of structural oppression, such as racism, classism, and sexism, contribute to the victimization of individuals subjected to human trafficking. She also provides listeners with invaluable guidance on how to get involved in anti-human trafficking advocacy, emphasizing the importance of identifying survivor-centered organizations and avoiding the pitfalls of the “savior” mindset. Additionally, she offers advice on how to maintain a balance between mental health and fighting against modern slavery.

What is a Public Health Approach to Human Trafficking?

In the second episode of Breaking the Chains, we speak with Dr. Hanni Stoklosa, the Chief Medical Officer of HEAL Trafficking, and an emergency physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr. Stoklosa shares her experience of merging her medical expertise with her advocacy work in the fight against human trafficking. She explains the crucial role healthcare providers play in this work, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the signs of human trafficking and providing survivors with the care they need. This episode also delves into the public health approach to human trafficking, which aims to address both the root causes and the consequences of modern slavery. We explore this framework and discuss its potential to bring about meaningful change in the fight against human trafficking.

In Contempt of Fate: How Do Human Trafficking Survivors Overcome Stigma?

In the first episode of Breaking the Chains, we have the privilege of speaking with Beatrice Fernando, a remarkable human rights activist and survivor of human trafficking. Fernando is also the author of the book, “In Contempt of Fate,” a memoir that chronicles her experiences in domestic servitude. The focus of episode one is to gain a deeper understanding of what human trafficking looks like from the perspective of survivors. In our conversation with Fernando, she candidly shares her personal story and discusses the ongoing stigmatization faced by victims of human trafficking. Additionally, she offers guidance on how to approach survivors with empathy, emphasizing the importance of sensitivity and understanding.