The Power of Words

Words hold incredible power. They are used to actively craft the world around us as stories are crafted from many different points of view, laws are written, debated, and passed, people exchange promises and secrets, and brand new discoveries are shared. The right words can make or break a person, an organization, or an entire movement. For all of these reasons, the words that we use when discussing human trafficking are of paramount importance.

Firstly, the images and words we use need to be respectful to survivors. The media loves to sensationalize, and it seems people nowadays have some kind of craving for gritty, appalling details. These aggrandized, disturbing re-tellings of trafficking situations can re-traumatize survivors and cause them great psychological distress.

Secondly, the words  we use either perpetuate or refute the common misconceptions about human trafficking. It is vital that we use our words to tell the truth and paint a more realistic picture of this issue.

Lastly, we cannot speak for survivors themselves. If there is an opportunity to stay quiet and let a survivor speak instead, that is what we need to do. Their words and experiences teach us more than we could ever learn on our own and giving them the space and power to do so makes a world of difference.

Remember, your words matter. From the connotations of the words you choose to when and how  you use them, they matter.