Degrees of Survival — When Learning Is a Lifeline for Trafficking Survivors

Education is one of the few concrete tools that can reduce the risk of re-exploitation. Survivors who are able to return to school—whether to finish a GED, complete a college degree, or learn a trade—gain more than academic knowledge. They gain economic mobility, self-efficacy, a supportive peer community, and the tools to advocate for themselves in complex systems. Studies consistently show that financial insecurity is one of the primary drivers of trafficking and exploitation. Survivors without access to income—especially those exiting jails, shelters, or unstable living environments—are at significant risk of being retrafficked. Education, especially when paired with housing and wraparound support, becomes a direct intervention against this risk.