Awareness campaigns often fail when they preach to the choir or inadvertently reinforce stereotypes. For example, the public perception of a trafficking survivor might be a young girl locked in a basement. While that happens, the reality is often far more complex. By using authentic, diverse survivor stories, campaigns break down these preconceived notions, forcing the audience to realize, "This could be my neighbor, my coworker, or my child."

A review of global survivor accounts reveals consistent themes across different types of trauma:

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma, resources are available. Consider reaching out to a local crisis center or a national helpline relevant to your experience.