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February 19, 2025
From Darkness to Light: Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking
Authored by Eva Soulia, Assistant Director of Comms, Libra Philanthropies
In May 2024, Libra Philanthropies team traveled to Medellín, Colombia, to visit Espacios de Mujer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women affected by human trafficking and prostitution. Espacios de Mujer’s mission encompasses prevention, comprehensive care, research and advocacy to empower survivors.
Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the organization’s staff, who guided us through their facilities. The walls were adorned with vibrant artwork created by survivors, each piece encompassing a story that resonated resilience and hope.
During our visit, we had the privilege of meeting María*, a survivor who shared her harrowing journey. Deceived by false promises of employment, she was trafficked from Colombia to Greece, where she endured exploitation and abuse. After a courageous escape, María* returned to Colombia with the endless efforts of Espacios de Mujer.
Unfortunately, human trafficking remains a pervasive issue globally, with women and girls disproportionately affected.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 79% of human trafficking is sexual exploitation, with victims being predominantly women and girls.
In Colombia, this situation is especially concerning. Between 2020 and 2023, authorities registered 709 cases solely of human trafficking, marking a 400% increase in incidents involving minors aged 12 to 17. 264 of the 709 cases were reported in 2023 alone, constituting the most reported cases in the past 15 years. Most of these cases involved sexual exploitation, with women between 18 and 26 years old being the most affected demographic.
Between January and June 2024, at least 100 victims were identified, 74 of whom endured sexual exploitation. The clandestine nature of this crime suggests that actual numbers may be higher.
Espacios de Mujer serves to address this pressing and devastating crisis and provide refuge to those currently in danger, and those having suffered inhumane situations of human trafficking.
They address this crisis through a multifaceted approach:
Prevention: Educating communities about the dangers of human trafficking and how to recognize potential threats.
Comprehensive Care: Offering psychological support, legal assistance, and empowerment programs to help survivors rebuild their lives.
Research: Conducting studies to understand the dynamics of trafficking and inform policy decisions.
Advocacy: Championing the rights of survivors and pushing for systemic changes to prevent trafficking.
María’s* story is a testament to the transformative power of comprehensive support. With the help of Espacios de Mujer, she has reclaimed her life and now advocates for other survivors. Her journey underscores the importance of organizations like this one in the fight against human trafficking.
At Libra Philanthropies, we are committed to supporting initiatives that combat human trafficking, empower survivors and advocate for systemic change. Our partnership with Espacios de Mujer is a step toward a world where every woman and young child can live freely and fearlessly from exploitation.
To learn more about all the work Espacios de Mujer does to combat human trafficking and support their mission, visit their website.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
About our partnership with Espacios de Mujer: Libra Philanthropies proudly supports Espacios de Mujer through the Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking for the Effective Reestablishment of Their Rights program. This initiative is dedicated to reintegrating and restoring the rights of trafficking survivors in Medellín’s metropolitan area. Over the course of the program, 27 victims were identified and admitted, with the majority having suffered forced prostitution, servile marriage, forced labor, or exploitation through begging. Survivors received crucial support, including a temporary economic subsidy, food vouchers, transportation assistance, and internet access to facilitate their reintegration. The program also provided vocational training opportunities, housing support, and entrepreneurship courses, all accompanied by the psychosocial team. In addition, survivors benefited from both individual and group psychosocial support sessions, focusing on self-esteem, resilience, and mental health. Prevention efforts were strengthened through collaborations with the Ombudsperson’s Office, while inter-institutional meetings helped reinforce systemic change and ensure survivors’ rights were effectively restored. Through initiatives like this, we continue our commitment to empowering survivors and fighting human trafficking.
