A Strategic Approach to Addressing Human Trafficking

Miami Wire Staff

Human trafficking remains one of the most egregious violations of human rights, affecting millions globally. In her book, Brittany Dunn advocates for a transformative approach that emphasizes collective impact—a strategy aimed at dismantling trafficking systems by addressing both the root causes and systemic gaps. By expanding beyond the traditional “3P” paradigm of Protection, Prosecution, and Prevention, Dunn introduces a framework incorporating Policy, Partnership, and technology as key components for creating more sustainable change.

A New Framework for Eradication

The 3P model has long been the foundation of anti-trafficking efforts. Protection ensures comprehensive survivor support, Prosecution holds traffickers and buyers accountable, and Prevention addresses systemic vulnerabilities. While these pillars remain critical, Dunn suggests that they may be insufficient for achieving the complete eradication of trafficking. Her framework integrates Policy and Partnership as crucial components:

Policy: Legislative and regulatory environments are vital for institutionalizing effective practices. Robust policies can help ensure long-term sustainability and contribute to systemic change.
Partnership: Cross-sector collaboration and resource sharing are increasingly important. Effective partnerships can significantly enhance efforts by aligning stakeholders—law enforcement, service providers, healthcare professionals, and private entities—toward a unified goal.

Technology serves as a force multiplier underpinning these components, enhancing their impact and enabling more efficient coordination. For example, technology could support prosecution through advanced evidence collection and analysis, strengthen prevention via predictive data analytics, and optimize survivor support through coordinated resource allocation. Furthermore, it facilitates real-time collaboration and data-driven insights, creating a stronger relationship among all elements of the framework.

Addressing Fragmentation: The Biggest Gap

One of the most pressing challenges in the fight against trafficking is the fragmentation of efforts. According to Dunn, this disjointed approach often results in wasted resources, missed opportunities, and inefficiencies. Her book highlights three critical areas requiring attention:

Centralized Coordination: Without a central coordinating entity, organizations may work in silos. Dunn envisions a backbone organization to unify efforts, streamline communication, and measure collective progress.
Comprehensive Data Integration: Individual organizations collect valuable data, but the lack of a unified framework can impede understanding the full scope of trafficking. Aggregated data could help reveal patterns, identify threats, and measure intervention efficacy.
Strategic Alignment: Misaligned initiatives across sectors and regions may undermine progress. Dunn’s framework calls for shared metrics, coordinated strategies, and open communication channels to enhance the alignment of efforts toward the larger goal of eradication.

These interconnected elements create a potential multiplier effect: centralized coordination informs strategic alignment, which, in turn, enhances the utility of data. Together, they could help transform fragmented initiatives into a more cohesive movement capable of achieving lasting impact.

Clarifying Common Misconceptions About Human Trafficking

Misconceptions about human trafficking can hinder identification and intervention. Dunn’s book tackles several pervasive myths:

It’s not just a border issue: While trafficking across international borders receives significant attention, domestic trafficking—often within communities—is frequently more prevalent.
It’s not just about sexual exploitation: Labor trafficking is equally widespread, with victims exploited in industries ranging from agriculture to hospitality. Yet, it can often go unrecognized.
Traffickers and victims defy stereotypes: Traffickers are not always strangers or members of large criminal networks; they can be family members, intimate partners, or trusted community figures. Similarly, victims may come from all demographics and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Dunn emphasizes that trafficking often involves psychological manipulation and economic coercion rather than physical restraint. This subtlety underscores the importance of training and tools to support more accurate identification of victims.

The Critical Role of Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is central to combating trafficking. Dunn advocates for trauma-informed and survivor-informed approaches tailored to individual needs. Key components include:

Comprehensive Support: Access to therapy, medical care, legal advocacy, education, and job training can be essential.
Healthy Relationships: Survivors must rebuild trust and learn to navigate healthy connections.
Sustainable Care: Long-term support—encompassing stable housing, mental health services, and career development—is often crucial for recovery.

Trauma-informed care ensures survivors feel safe, respected, and in control of their healing journey. By prioritizing survivor autonomy and expertise, such approaches are likely to foster genuine, lasting recovery.

Achievements of Safe House Project

Dunn’s co-founding of Safe House Project in 2017 marked a turning point in addressing the lack of safe housing for trafficking survivors. Significant achievements include:

Expanding Care: Opening new safe houses nationwide and certifying existing ones to uphold consistent standards.
Survivor Support Team: Providing support to a significant number of survivors each year by connecting them with appropriate care.
Technological Innovation: Developing tools to identify victims and link them to resources more efficiently.
Prevention and Training: Educating a large number of individuals to recognize and report trafficking, helping to build a network of informed community members.

Safe House Project’s initiatives demonstrate the power of coordinated, technology-driven action in transforming the anti-trafficking landscape.

The Path Forward

Looking ahead, Dunn envisions a future where technology, data integration, and survivor leadership can drive the fight against trafficking. Centralized systems and seamless data sharing could enable more effective prevention, identification, and intervention. Survivor insights will help shape policies and programs, ensuring efforts are aligned with lived experience.

Most importantly, Dunn believes the focus will shift from managing trafficking to working toward its eradication entirely. Through coordinated action, innovative tools, and unwavering commitment, the goal of ending trafficking may become achievable.

Dunn’s Vision for Combating Human Trafficking

Dunn’s message is clear: the eradication of human trafficking requires collective action. Every individual can play a role—whether through implementing prevention protocols, supporting survivor services, or advocating for stronger policies. Tools like SafeWatch offer opportunities for communities to report trafficking and foster real-time responses.

For those eager to contribute, Dunn encourages completing survivor-informed training through programs like IAmOnWatch.org. By leveraging knowledge and tools, individuals can join a united effort to create a world free from trafficking, where survivors can thrive in sustainable freedom.

Find your copy of Eradicating Human Trafficking on Amazon.