Human Trafficking Awareness Month: A Time to Reflect and Act
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the devastating impact of human trafficking and to acknowledge the resilience and strength of survivors. At Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH), we are committed to supporting survivors of sex trafficking and other forms of sexual exploitation through trauma-informed, peer-led case management services. This month, we reflect on our work and the powerful partnerships we have formed with survivors in Sacramento, California.
A Look at Our Comprehensive Survivor Services (CSS) Programs
At CASH, our Comprehensive Survivor Services (CSS) programs are designed to meet survivors “where they are”—offering a range of services and supports to help individuals achieve their personalized goals around safety, well-being, social connection, and self-sufficiency. These services are grounded in a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that participants are treated with dignity and respect throughout their journey to healing.
As a human trafficking service provider, we value partnerships with survivors and the participants that come to CASH. We have conducted an evaluation of our services and are excited to share the findings with you.
Key Findings from Our 2022-2024 Program Evaluation
Between 2022 and 2024, CASH collaborated with the Institute for Social Research at Sacramento State (ISR) to evaluate our CSS programs and assess our use of a new standardized instrument for evaluating participant outcomes: the Outcomes for Human Trafficking Survivors (OHTS) Instrument. This mixed-methods evaluation included case management data, participant feedback, focus groups, and insights from our Survivor Advisory Council. The findings highlight both the impact of our services and opportunities for growth:
- Basic Needs: Most participants entered the program facing high levels of unmet basic needs, including unstable income, housing instability, and mental health concerns.
- Improvement Across Key Areas: Between 51% and 68% of participants reported significant improvements in their safety, physical health, housing, and resource management during their enrollment in our programs.
- Case Manager Approach: Participants overwhelmingly reported that the nonjudgmental, trauma-informed, and participant-led approach of our case managers was instrumental in helping them stay engaged in the program and achieve their goals.
Recommendations for Moving Forward
Based on the evaluation findings, several key recommendations have emerged to strengthen and expand our services:
- Continue Participant-Led Services: We will remain committed to offering nonjudgmental, participant-led services that empower survivors to take control of their healing journey.
- Expand Services Thoughtfully: There are opportunities to broaden our reach, such as increasing outreach to hard-to-reach populations and offering additional emergency services. We will do this in a way that maintains the high quality and personalized approach of our case management.
- Enhance Data and Evaluation: We will continue to streamline our data collection and evaluation processes to ensure we are effectively monitoring and improving our programs.
Participant Voices: Stories of Strength and Transformation
The following powerful testimonials from CASH participants highlight the transformative impact of our programs:
- “I really thought I would never stop the fast life… Once you’re done with the help, they connect you to these programs. They make sure that you have your career going, that you’re going to be able to pay for your lifestyle, that you’re not going to go back to the way you’re going. And that’s what I’m doing right now—going back to school and all these different things, but it’s because of CASH.”
- “[My proudest achievement with CASH] was actually graduating from the program, because it took me three times to be back here. When I finally got the certificate from CASH staff, I cried… I never thought I would be here, sober, for one …And then for two, with my son back in my life. It’s a lot of things that go into getting that certificate. They don’t give you that certificate until they know you’re ready to leave them. I think that was my greatest achievement.”
- “I graduated CASH two years ago, but I still come back here because this is like my home away from home. This is my family.”
- “I feel like I wouldn’t be the person that I am if I never came to CASH.”
These stories embody the heart of our work—providing survivors with the tools, support, and community they need to reclaim their lives.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the progress we’ve made, we are grateful for the support of our partners, the dedication of our staff, and, most importantly, the strength and courage of the survivors we serve. Our work is far from over, and we are more committed than ever to creating a community where survivors of sex trafficking can heal, thrive, and achieve their fullest potential.
Thank you for being part of this important work. Together, we can make a difference.
Stay Connected
Follow us on social media for updates, events, and ways you can get involved in supporting survivors.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CASHSacramento ~ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cash_sacramento/
If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to CASH for support and resources.