The exploitation and trafficking of women and girls is a critical human rights issue that many organizations and individuals can play an important role in addressing. Even with increased awareness and trainings many individuals still go unrecognized and unidentified. However, along with outreach their needs to be more resources for effective exit programs.

Given the complex legal, social and economic needs of trafficked and exploited women, a coordinated multiagency approach is critical for women to permanently exit the sex trade. Trauma responsive and person-centered approaches can improve identification and ensure individuals have access to opportunities and services.

It is an ongoing challenge to reach populations who often do not disclose their involvement in the sex trade for obvious reasons. However, The EVA Center works to ensure that underserved and hard-to-reach individuals are aware of who we are. This includes the following:

Educating the community and those who are often the first responders, such as law enforcement.

Reaching out to individuals in at-risk situations and the people who interact with them, including corrections, the courts, and medical providers.

Providing women access to our center allows peer advocates to establish an initial connection, offering information about programs, shelter, education, training, and more, so that when they are ready, we can support them in connecting to the resources they need.

Creating a multi-system approach: By collaborating with like-minded organizations and engaging individuals who could become advocates for this issue, we can make the most of limited resources and expand our impact.

For more information call our center at (617) 521-0120.