Existing messaging on sex trafficking is almost entirely awareness campaigns focused on teaching the public how to “identify” and report a potential “victim.” These messages, produced by government agencies, health departments and organizations, reinforce stigmatizing narratives that harm all people in the sex trades.

Stereotypical character tropes reinforce the idea that only certain people experience sex trafficking and only certain experiences “count” as sex trafficking.

People with lived/living experience who do not fit these narrow expectations may face judgement and stigma from providers.

Sensationalized imagery and language reduces the public’s idea of sex trafficking to the most shocking or graphic narratives rather than portraying the complexity of experiences.

Current messages portray people experiencing sex trafficking as “passive” , "helpless” and “waiting to be “saved” , rather than individuals with autonomy and insight into their own needs. While some people may make choices under severely constrained circumstances, that does not mean they lack autonomy.

These narratives can dismiss the experiences of people who are not seeking or able to “exit” for any reason.

Existing messaging portrays the criminal legal system as the only resource available to people with lived experience. Almost all public messaging includes the National Human Trafficking Hotline, but often fails to disclose that the hotline also functions as a tip line.

This can alienate people with lived/living experience who fear law enforcement, criminalization, deportation, retaliation or losing custody of their children. People may avoid seeking support all together if accessing services requires interaction with law enforcement.