07/23/2023
‘Sound of Freedom’: A Joint Statement from Anti-trafficking Organizations
By Lauren Pinkston
Every great story has a villain and a hero. We believe that the heroes of the anti-trafficking story are the survivors of s*x and labor trafficking.
Shedding light on the issue of human trafficking is paramount, and while the movie Sound of Freedom aims to create awareness about trafficking, its portrayal perpetuates an oversimplified, dramatic depiction of rescue that reinforces outdated stereotypes.
As a movement, we acknowledge the significant investments that were made to bring this movie to cinemas around the world, and we welcome critical conversations about human exploitation and suffering.
There is potential for weak narratives, however, to widen the gap between general knowledge and the actual complexities of human trafficking.
We hope that Sound of Freedom acts as a starting point to initiate broader conversations about modern exploitation.
With this in mind, we have created a list of important things for viewers to consider as they process the movie’s content.
The following statements were drafted through roundtable discussions at the 2023 Asia Region Anti-Trafficking Conference, and informed by the voices of survivors and practitioners across the sector.
Human trafficking is multifaceted and extends beyond child trafficking, including various forms and diverse demographics of victims. Each year, millions of individuals are exploited for profit — both within their own countries and across borders. S*x trafficking, including child s*xual exploitation, is a heinous crime that transcends diverse realms, encompassing both the hidden corners of the dark web and sacred communities of faith.
In addition, around 80% of human trafficking victims are individuals who are subjected to forced labor with meager or no compensation, working in harsh conditions in factories, farms, mines, construction sites, fishing vessels, and private residences.
Human trafficking is a global issue. Whether it is in urban centers or rural areas, exploitation takes place in each of the world’s regions, making it truly a global concern. Different regions face unique challenges and require tailored approaches to combat this problem effectively.
Trafficking is often perpetrated by those known to the victim, including family members. This form of trafficking can be challenging to detect.
Complex vulnerabilities confuse a black and white narrative of villain and victim, making it difficult to define where a person’s exploitation begins and ends.
While kidnapping can occur, sensationalizing such dramatic cases can draw attention away from the more normative methods of trafficking like grooming, manipulation, and coercion.
Less than 1% of trafficking victims are identified. This statistic underscores the urgent need for prevention, aftercare, and sustainable solutions to address human trafficking in a way that centers survivors’ agency. Rescue operations, while important, should not be seen as the sole solution to the problem.
Self-liberation is a predominant way through which individuals escape trafficking situations. It is essential to recognize and respect that many survivors take courageous steps to free themselves from exploitation. Creating space for them to share their experiences and stories on their own terms can be a powerful way to elevate survivors’ voices and inspire others.
The anti-trafficking movement has evolved significantly over the last decade, which is a testament to the dedicated efforts of numerous individuals, organizations, and grassroots initiatives. The story featured in Sound of Freedom took place ten years ago. Since then, there have been significant changes in both methodology and language ensuring individuals with lived experience do not experience re-exploitation.
Creating pathways to freedom for trafficking victims requires collaboration and effort from multiple individuals and organizations. As a movement, we commit to ongoing learning and best practices. Many survivor-led and locally led organizations are doing incredible work, which is deeply connected to the communities they serve, providing culturally sensitive and relevant support. It is important to amplify their stories and engage with their work.
We must share stories responsibly, supporting survivors, and promoting meaningful change in the fight against human trafficking. It is paramount for us to tell the stories surrounding human trafficking in a way that respects the dignity of those affected. These stories carry immense weight and significance, and it is crucial to present them with sensitivity and empathy, avoiding any sensationalism or further exploitation. By doing so, we honor the experiences of survivors, victims, and their families, fostering a deeper understanding of the issue and inspiring meaningful action.
💙 A note from a survivor:
It is a survivor’s right to control how their story is shared. Obtaining informed consent is of utmost importance. Children are unable to provide informed consent and it is our responsibility to protect them.
Survivor networks desire for those who engage in the movie to think more deeply about the realities of vulnerabilities that lead to exploitation, physical and emotional trauma caused by the actions of perpetrators and the way that every human is connected to this issue.
• Our organization agrees with what Laura has stated here on behalf of the Freedom Business Alliance and anti trafficking organizations. We are grateful for all these organizations and what they do to help vulnerable people and walk through life with them.
🌻 If you’re looking for local ways to get involved, please email us at [email protected]. We also have connections with anti trafficking organizations throughout the US and several overseas organizations that are doing amazing work too. United we can make a difference.
