New Guide for Survivors of Human Trafficking

CHICAGO – Jan. 14, 2026 – For survivors of human trafficking, the moment of escape is just the beginning. The journey to true healing is complex, and often fraught with overlooked challenges. In partnership with the Rebecca Bender Initiative, CommonSpirit today released  a first-of-its-kind digital booklet, providing a roadmap for long-term healing and recovery co-designed by those who have lived it.

Developed in collaboration between the Rebecca Bender Initiative and CommonSpirit Health’s Human Trafficking Response Program, the Trauma and Recovery booklet was created for survivors of human trafficking and dives deep into the often-hidden struggles survivors face after escaping exploitation, aiming to foster resilience, self-advocacy, and holistic well-being.

"After nearly 16 years in the anti-trafficking field, I’ve seen firsthand how often survivors who step into leadership roles face burnout, isolation, compassion fatigue, and even re-exploitation,” said Rebecca Bender, CEO of Rebecca Bender Initiative. “I wish a resource like this had existed when I began my own leadership journey, something to help prepare me for the realities of the work and the importance of building self-care and community support around me."

Human trafficking is a global crisis that has affected millions. In 2024, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 21,865 victims in the United States alone. For survivors, the trauma they experience often requires informed intervention. This booklet offers exactly that: a practical, compassionate guide designed to help survivor leaders avoid common pitfalls, strengthen their wellbeing, and continue using their lived experience to create meaningful change in their communities.

The resource empowers survivors to:

• Deconstruct trauma

• Recognize signs of traumatic stress and adopt healthier coping behaviors

• Prevent retraumatization by identifying triggers and applying trauma-informed care principles in daily life

• Advocate effectively for themselves in challenging environments

• Cultivate a personalized, healing-centered approach to their recovery

“A foundational element of CommonSpirit’s mission, our Human Trafficking Response Program equips our medical professionals to identify and assist patients experiencing any form of abuse, including human trafficking,” said Holly Gibbs, system director, Human Trafficking Response Program at CommonSpirit Health. “This new booklet for survivors takes that commitment a step further, putting healing resources directly into their hands, wherever they are on their journey.”

As a core initiative, CommonSpirit's nationally recognized Human Trafficking Response Program provides resources and training for health care professionals and partners nationwide to combat human trafficking and other forms of abuse.