Protecting Dignity Through Language
Language is one of the most powerful tools we have. It can humanize or dehumanize, empower or stigmatize. When it comes to supporting survivors of sex trafficking, the words we choose matter more than we may realize. Our language shapes public perception, influences policy, and impacts how survivors see themselves.
Language can reinforce shame, or it can help restore dignity. If we want to move hope forward for survivors, we must choose words that support healing rather than harm. That begins with being intentional about the way we speak.
Language Matters for Survivors of Sex Trafficking
At Covered Colorado, the language we use reflects our belief in the strength and agency of the people we serve. When survivors enter our program, we say they have exited trafficking. We do not say they were “rescued” or that they were “saved.”
This language shifts the focus away from the organization and places dignity and power back where it belongs—with the survivor.
Words communicate what we believe about a person’s worth, identity, and abilities. Thoughtful language helps affirm that survivors are not defined by what happened to them.
Use Survivor-Centered Language
Person-first language acknowledges that exploitation is something that happened to someone, not who they are.
Appropriate examples include:
“Survivor of sex trafficking”
“Person who experienced sex trafficking”
“Person who was exploited”
Avoid language that blames, criminalizes, or dehumanizes survivors.
Terms such as “prostitute,” “whore,” or “hooker” are degrading and stigmatizing. Instead, use “survivor of sex trafficking” or “person who was exploited.”
Similarly, the term “pimp” can unintentionally glamorize exploitation. A more accurate and responsible term is “trafficker.”
Avoid Assumptions About Consent or Choice
Many survivors are trafficked by someone they know and trust. Exploitation is often maintained through force, fraud, or coercion, including psychological manipulation, threats, economic control, and isolation.
Because of this, statements such as:
“Why didn’t they just leave?”
“Why didn’t they tell someone?”
can unintentionally reinforce misunderstanding.
These questions overlook the fear, manipulation, threats, and barriers that traffickers use to maintain control.
Avoid Sensationalism
Sex trafficking is often misrepresented through exaggerated or sensational stories. Survivor-centered language avoids dramatic narratives, stereotypes, and inaccurate portrayals.
When trafficking is portrayed unrealistically, it can make it harder for survivors to recognize their own experiences or feel confident coming forward for help. Many survivors do not identify with the extreme depictions they see in movies or headlines.
Accurate language helps people understand the realities of trafficking and creates space for survivors to seek support.
Language That Heals
Words also have the power to support healing. Simple statements of affirmation can counter the shame and self-doubt that traffickers often instill.
Language that supports healing may include:
“I believe you.”
This affirms credibility and counters the self-doubt survivors often experience.“You deserve safety, respect, and dignity.”
This reinforces the basic human rights that were taken from them during exploitation.“You are more than what happened to you.”
This separates a person’s identity from their trauma.“What happened to you is not your fault.”
This places responsibility where it belongs—on the trafficker.
Hope In Action
When we choose language that protects dignity, we help create a world where survivors feel seen, respected, and supported. Every word we use can be an opportunity to move hope forward.
Another way to put hope into action is to make a gift. When you make a gift to Covered Colorado, you help provide direct support, safe resources, and long-term care for survivors navigating complex situations like the ones described above. We invite you to give today and be part of that work.