Breaking the Cycle: How FAIR Girls Is Fighting Human Trafficking Through Prevention and Support

Human trafficking is a pervasive issue that intersects with many societal challenges, from homelessness to digital exploitation. To effectively combat it, collaboration is key. Spotlight partners with organizations like FAIR Girls, which specialize in survivor services and prevention education, to ensure those at risk receive the support and knowledge they need.

We sat down with Natalie Clayton, Executive Director and Eryka Staren-Doby, Program and Outreach Supervisor, to discuss their work, the importance of prevention education, and the misconceptions that need to be addressed to protect young people from exploitation.

Q: Can you tell us about FAIR Girls and its mission?

FAIR Girls was founded in 2003 to provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered support to young women and female-identifying survivors of commercial sex and labor trafficking. Since then, we’ve served over 2,000 survivors while raising awareness about trafficking within our communities.

One of our core programs is our safe housing initiative, which provides the only temporary emergency home in Washington, DC, and the surrounding area, specifically for trafficking survivors. We also operate a 24/7 Crisis Response Hotline, providing immediate assistance to survivors, those at risk, and law enforcement. Additionally, all of our clients receive trauma-informed case management, offering personalized guidance and support to address their specific needs.

Prevention education is another key pillar of our work. Our programs are designed to educate young people, parents, and professionals on how trafficking happens, empowering them to recognize risks and take action. FAIR Girls was honored with the 2020 National Crime Victims Service Award from the U.S. Department of Justice, and we remain committed to closing pathways to trafficking while empowering survivors to rebuild their lives.

Q: Why is it so important to educate middle school students about human trafficking?

Middle school is a critical time because it’s when young people begin developing more independence and spending more time online. Unfortunately, traffickers exploit this phase of growing autonomy, using manipulation and deception to target potential victims.

The average age a person is trafficked is just 12 to 14 years old, which means if we wait until high school to educate young people, we’ve already missed a significant window to prevent exploitation. By teaching students to recognize red flags, like online grooming, emotional manipulation, and unhealthy relationships, they can set boundaries and seek help when needed.

Q: What are some of the biggest misconceptions young people have about trafficking?

Many students believe that trafficking only happens when strangers kidnap children, like in movies or sensationalized media stories. In reality, almost half of all trafficking victims are exploited by someone they know, whether that’s a family member, intimate partner, or employer.

We also find that young people underestimate the dangers of online exploitation. Traffickers often use social media, gaming platforms, and chat apps to recruit victims. They pretend to be mentors, romantic partners, or friends, building trust before manipulating the young person into a dangerous situation. This is why digital safety education is so crucial.

Q: What kinds of reactions do students have during FAIR Girls’ education sessions?

One of the most common reactions we hear is pure shock. Students will say things like, “Family members do that to each other?… I thought it was just strangers kidnapping people.” They’re often completely unaware that traffickers are more likely to be someone they trust rather than a masked villain in a white van.

We also see a lot of ‘aha’ moments when we discuss the role of pop culture. Many students don’t realize that movies, music, and social media often glamorize or trivialize exploitation. They start connecting the dots between the media they consume and real-life trafficking tactics, which is a huge step toward developing critical awareness.

Another eye-opening moment comes when students learn that human trafficking has surpassed the drug trade in profitability. Many are shocked to hear that traffickers view people as a ‘reusable resource’, something they can exploit over and over again. It reframes trafficking as a systemic issue rather than just an individual crime, reinforcing why awareness and prevention are so important.

Q: What are some common risk factors that families and school staff should be aware of?

Some of the most common risk factors for trafficking include:

• Recent migration or relocation

• Substance use

• Being a runaway or homeless youth

• Mental health concerns

• Involvement in the child welfare system

These vulnerabilities make individuals more susceptible to traffickers, who often target people experiencing instability or trauma. Recognizing these risk factors early allows families, teachers, and school staff to step in with support before a young person becomes vulnerable to exploitation.

Q: What should students take away from your presentations? 

Our goal is to ensure that students leave with a clear understanding of what trafficking looks like and how they can protect themselves. Through our Tell Your Friends curriculum, we encourage students to:

• Identify a safe adult – Someone trustworthy, respectful, and willing to listen without judgment.

• Understand healthy relationships – Knowing that open communication and mutual respect are key to avoiding manipulation.

• Set boundaries – Defining what is and isn’t acceptable in relationships and interactions.

• Stay safe online – Being cautious about what they share, who they interact with, and how traffickers operate in digital spaces.

Q: What role do schools play in preventing trafficking?

Schools are one of the first lines of defense against trafficking. They should:

• Integrate trafficking education into health and safety classes

• Provide counselors and trusted staff for students to talk to

• Train teachers and administrators on recognizing trafficking signs

• Foster an environment where students feel comfortable seeking help

Additionally, schools should partner with organizations like FAIR Girls to bring in expert-led trainings and connect at-risk students with community resources.

Q: How can communities support efforts to educate younger students?

FAIR Girls is expanding our prevention education curriculum to reach middle schoolers (ages 11-13). The goal is to make this information age-appropriate while still empowering young people to recognize risks and stay safe.

Schools, families, and communities can support this initiative by:

• Hosting workshops

• Embedding trafficking education into school curriculums

• Encouraging open discussions about online safety and boundaries at home

By working together, we can ensure that young people have the knowledge and confidence to prevent trafficking and protect themselves and their peers.