Human Trafficking Survivor Advocacy Center

Human Trafficking

Being trafficked is a complicated, dangerous, and unique situation. There is no one right path or way to get out of trafficking. Plans to exit trafficking situations need to be tailored to each individual, and our advocates at the Survivor Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes will work with you to make a plan that addresses your unique safety concerns and needs.

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking occurs when a trafficker (boss, intimate partner, parent, caregiver, pimp, stranger, etc.) uses force, fraud, or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts (sex or sex acts for money) or soliciting labor or services against their will.

Adults and minors may be victims of human trafficking.

Any individual under 18 years of age engaging in commercial sex qualifies as a human trafficking victim, even if force, fraud, or coercion are not present.

You may be a victim of sex human trafficking if you…

  • Are participating in or being made to participate in commercial sex (sex or sex acts for money) and are under the age of 18.
  • Want to stop participating in commercial sex but feel scared or unable to leave the situation.
  • Are participating in commercial sex but were reluctant to do so or felt pressured into it by someone else.
  • Are made by a parent, caregiver, or other individual to engage in sex acts in order for them to get drugs, money, or housing.
  • Are engaging in commercial sex in exchange for housing, safety, clothing, food, drugs, medicine, or anything needed to survive (survival sex).
  • Have a “pimp” or “manager” in the commercial sex industry.
  • Are pressured into performing sex acts for money at your place of work (strip club, massage parlor, cantina, etc.).
  • Have a controlling parent, guardian, intimate partner, or “sponsor” who knows about, manages, and/or encourages you to engage in commercial sex. They may also not allow you to meet or speak with anyone alone, or may monitor your movements, spending, or communication.

You may be a victim of labor human trafficking if you…

  • Feel pressured by an employer to stay in a job or situation you want to leave.
  • Owe money to an employer or recruiter or are not being paid what you were promised or owed.
  • Are living and working in isolated conditions, largely cut off from interaction with others.
  • Do not have access or control of your passport or other ID documents because your employer is holding them or keeping them from you.
  • Are being threatened by your boss with deportation or other harm.
  • Are living in dangerous, overcrowded, or inhumane conditions provided by your employer.

If you think you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, the Survivor Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes is here to offer help and support.

Learn more about our available services by scrolling down.

Call our 24/7 Crisis Hotline today to connect with a trained advocate.
(800) 456-1172

Services

Ask someone who knows. Talk to someone who cares.

We are here to support you where you are right now — whether you’re seeking information, needing support, or ready to leave your situation. The Survivor Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes provides services to those experiencing human trafficking, regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, gender, marital status, or disability. All of our services are free, confidential, and voluntary.

24/7 Crisis & Support Hotline (800) 456-1172

  • Support & Information for survivors of sex trafficking and labor trafficking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
  • Whether you want to learn more about your options, or you just need someone to talk to, we’re here. We will believe and support you in every way we can.

Support for Spanish-speaking survivors

  • Our 24/7 Crisis Hotline is always staffed with a Spanish-speaking advocate.
  • The Survivor Advocacy Center’s two full-time Spanish-speaking advocates are available to assist in all other needs.

Safety Planning

  • Staff are available to help you create a safety plan tailored to your situation.
  • Safety plans are plans are sets of actions that can help lower your risk of being hurt by your trafficker and/or customers. It includes information specific to you and your life that can increase your safety.
  • This could be a plan to keep you safe in your current situation, a plan to keep you safe while leaving your trafficker, or a plan to manage risk day to day.

Support at Police Stations/During Police interaction

  • If you are in a situation where police are called to or report to your location due to reports of human trafficking, you can call our 24/7 crisis hotline for help talking to the police and knowing your rights.
  • This includes if you are a victim of human trafficking who has been arrested for prostitution.
  • If you want to file charges, are asked to make a statement to police, or are arrested because of your trafficking, trained staff are available to accompany you throughout the reporting and/or arrest process.
  • You can call our hotline ahead of time to request an accompaniment, or you can request an advocate upon arrival for in-person support 24/7.

Hospital Support

  • Trained staff are available to accompany you at the hospital if you need treatment due to injuries sustained as a result of your trafficking.
  • When you arrive at the hospital request an advocate for immediate, in-person support 24/7.
  • You can also call our hotline to request an advocate while on your way to the hospital or before you go.

Advocacy during the criminal justice process

  • Information about the criminal justice process.
  • Help facilitating communication between you, the courts, the police, and prosecutors/lawyers.
  • Accompaniment to court, police interviews, and visits with your prosecutor.

Assistance In Filing Orders of Protection (Restraining Orders)

  • Staff can help you obtain an order of protection for you, your children and your pets.
  • To learn more about Family Orders of Protection, click here.

Individualized Case Management

  • Staff will assist you by helping you build a large and diverse safety net of support.
  • This includes helping you access community resources available to victims of human trafficking such as housing, employment, childcare, clothing, food, and transportation.

Long-Term Safe Housing

  • The SACFL staff can assist you in finding safe housing when leaving a trafficking situation, whether you’re in immediate need of housing or looking for a long-term solution after a stay in our dwelling.

Address Confidentiality Program

  • The SACFL offers a free, confidential mail-forwarding service for victims of domestic violence or human trafficking who have recently relocated.

Individual Counseling, Support Groups, Information and Referrals

  • Staff will provide information about and referrals to any needed services that are not offered by the SACFL.

Childcare

  • In order to make our services accessible, free childcare is available to our clients during their meetings with advocates.

Domestic Violence Shelter

  • The SACFL provides emergency, temporary, safe housing for adults of all genders and their accompanying children who are currently experiencing sex trafficking as part of a domestic violence situation.
  • Our safe dwelling location is kept confidential.
  • Housing available for a total of 14 individuals.
  • To complete a screening process, call our 24/7 Crisis Hotline (800) 456-1172.
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