Facing Human Trafficking: Why Dogs?

Each survivor of human trafficking has a unique healing journey and benefits from support throughout the restoration process — but you might be asking yourself, ok, so why dogs?

Here is how each of our programs benefits survivors:

PERSONAL PROTECTION DOG PROGRAM

Personal protection dogs play a vital and unique role in supporting survivors of human trafficking on their restoration journeys. These highly-trained canines offer a sense of security, companionship, and emotional support that can be transformative for survivors who have experienced severe trauma. They contribute to the well-being of survivors through:

1. Emotional Support:

Personal protection dogs provide unconditional love and companionship, creating a bond that is often crucial for survivors in rebuilding trust and connection. The constant presence of a loyal and non-judgmental canine companion can help alleviate feelings of isolation, anxiety, and fear.

2. Physical Security:

Trained in personal protection techniques, these dogs serve as a visible deterrent to potential threats, offering survivors a heightened sense of physical security. The mere presence of a protective canine can instill a sense of confidence and safety, empowering survivors to navigate the world with reduced apprehension.

3. Empowerment and Independence:

The training process of personal protection dogs involves collaboration with survivors, fostering a sense of empowerment and control. By actively participating in the training and care of their canine companions, survivors regain a sense of agency and responsibility, contributing to their overall healing process.

4. Rebuilding Trust:

Survivors of human trafficking often struggle with trust issues as a result of their traumatic experiences. Personal protection dogs, with their unwavering loyalty and intuitive understanding of human emotions, assist in rebuilding trust and facilitating healthier interpersonal connections for survivors.

5. Emotional Regulation:

Trauma can manifest in various emotional and psychological challenges. Personal protection dogs are trained to sense changes in their handler’s emotional state and provide comfort and support accordingly. This ability aids survivors in regulating their emotions, reducing anxiety, and promoting overall emotional well-being.

6. Enhanced Quality of Life:

By integrating personal protection dogs into the lives of survivors, the overall quality of life improves. The dogs serve as constant companions, offering unconditional love, encouragement, and a source of joy, helping survivors to focus on their personal growth and future prospects.

Personal protection dogs play a multifaceted role in the recovery journey of survivors of human trafficking. Their unique combination of protection, companionship, and emotional support contributes significantly to the empowerment and healing of individuals who have endured unimaginable hardships.

SERVICE DOG PROGRAM

Service dogs provide invaluable support to survivors of human trafficking, offering a unique and compassionate form of assistance that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that survivors may face. They contribute to the well-being and recovery of survivors through:

1. Emotional Support:

Service dogs are trained to provide unconditional love, companionship, and emotional support. For survivors of human trafficking, who often grapple with the emotional aftermath of trauma, the presence of a service dog can be immensely comforting and reassuring. The dog’s constant companionship helps alleviate feelings of isolation and provides a source of solace during difficult moments.

2. Trauma Recovery:

Survivors may experience ongoing trauma-related symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Service dogs are trained to recognize signs of distress and respond with calming behaviors, helping survivors to manage and cope with the emotional challenges associated with their traumatic experiences.

3. Physical Assistance:

Many survivors of human trafficking may have physical injuries or mobility challenges as a result of their experiences. Service dogs can be trained to assist with tasks such as retrieving items, opening doors, or providing stability while walking, enhancing the survivor’s independence and overall quality of life.

4. Nightmares and Flashback Intervention:

Survivors often experience nightmares and flashbacks that are associated with their traumatic past. Service dogs are trained to wake their handlers during nightmares, provide grounding techniques, and offer a comforting presence, helping survivors to manage and mitigate the impact of these distressing episodes.

5. Empowerment and Independence:

Service dogs empower survivors by providing a sense of control and independence. Through the process of training and caring for their service dog, survivors regain a sense of agency, responsibility, and accomplishment, fostering a positive impact on their self-esteem and overall well-being.

6. Social Reintegration:

Service dogs can act as social facilitators, breaking down barriers and reducing social anxiety for survivors. The presence of a well-trained service dog often encourages positive interactions and can help survivors reintegrate into social settings with increased confidence.

Service dogs play a role in the recovery and healing journey of survivors of human trafficking. Their specialized training and unique bond with their handlers contribute to the emotional, physical, and psychological well-being of survivors, fostering a path toward empowerment, independence, and a brighter future.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL PROGRAM

Emotional Support Animals (ESA) serve as steadfast companions and sources of comfort for survivors of human trafficking, providing vital emotional support during the challenging journey of recovery. They can significantly contribute to the well-being and healing of survivors through:

1. Unconditional Companionship:

An Emotional Support Animal offers unwavering companionship, creating a bond that is free from judgment and unconditional in nature. For survivors of human trafficking who may have experienced profound isolation and betrayal, the constant presence of a supportive animal companion can provide a sense of security and connection.

2. Eases Anxiety and Stress:

Survivors often grapple with heightened anxiety and stress due to the trauma they have endured. Emotional Support Animals are known for their ability to sense their handler’s emotional state and provide calming effects. The simple act of petting or interacting with the animal can release endorphins, reducing stress levels and promoting a sense of emotional well-being.

3. Comfort During Triggering Moments:

Survivors may encounter triggering situations that evoke traumatic memories. Emotional Support Animals are trained to recognize signs of distress and respond with soothing behaviors. Their presence can serve as a grounding anchor, providing comfort and reassurance during moments of heightened emotional intensity.

4. Encourages Physical Activity:

Caring for an Emotional Support Animal requires regular physical activity, such as walks and playtime. Engaging in these activities not only promotes the physical well-being of the survivor but also encourages a healthy routine that contributes to a positive and active lifestyle.

5. Alleviates Feelings of Loneliness:

Human trafficking survivors often struggle with feelings of loneliness and isolation. An Emotional Support Animal becomes a constant and reliable companion, offering companionship and breaking the cycle of isolation. The non-verbal bond between the survivor and the animal can be particularly powerful in filling emotional voids.

6. Fosters Emotional Expression:

For survivors who may find it challenging to express their emotions verbally, the presence of an Emotional Support Animal creates a safe and non-judgmental space for emotional expression. The animal’s intuitive understanding provides an outlet for survivors to connect with and process their feelings.

7. Promotes Routine and Structure:

The responsibility of caring for an Emotional Support Animal introduces a sense of routine and structure into the survivor’s life. Establishing a daily care routine for the animal can contribute to the survivor’s overall stability, offering a positive framework for personal growth and recovery.

Emotional Support Animals serve as a dedicated ally in the healing process for survivors of human trafficking. Through companionship, comfort, and emotional connection, these animals play a crucial role in restoring a sense of security, promoting emotional well-being, and fostering the resilience needed to overcome the profound challenges of survivorship.

WHICH TYPE OF CANINE PLACEMENT IS BEST FOR SURVIVORS?

There is no one-size fits all solution for survivors. We tend to each survivor and our larger community with care, compassion, and the goal of best contributing to the healing journey. We listen, learn, and make assessments based on where each individual is at and where they want to go. These profound and transformational survivor-canine relationships help overcome or alleviate some of the challenges that meet survivors over the course of healing.

Whichever type of placement is ultimately most beneficial, we believe to our core that heeling dogs can help heal survivors.