Part 1: Walking Beside Them. A Law Enforcement Victim Advocate's Role in Empowering Victims into Survivors

By: Jenny Castaneda, Victim Specialist

My name is Jenny Castaneda and I am a Victim Advocate in the Human Trafficking Unit with the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigations in Orlando, FL. In my 13 years of working in the victim advocacy field, I have had the honor of walking alongside individuals going through one of the most difficult times in their lives. I have witnessed firsthand the challenges, the heartaches, and the obstacles in the healing process that can occur as they navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system. Often, in the process of seeking justice, victims are asked to revisit their trauma multiple times and face the painful experience of potentially facing their abuser in court. 

My role is not only to provide the resources a victim needs in order to navigate this journey, but also to be a source of compassion, understanding and empathy during their darkest times. This requires trust, collaboration, and unconditional support. As advocates, we have the opportunity to be a unique and transformative presence in their story—someone who shifts their perspective of law enforcement, stands apart through genuine care and understanding, and offers unwavering support.

Working with victims of human trafficking can be incredibly challenging. Law enforcement victim advocates face the unique challenge of overcoming the deep mistrust many victims have toward law enforcement. Their demeanor and reluctance to accept services is often misunderstood and may lead to the incorrect assumption: that this is an individual that does not need assistance, when in fact, they very much do. They have often developed unhealthy defense mechanisms during their victimization in order to survive. It is common for these mechanisms to be present at the time of recovery, and they may even direct those coping strategies toward their advocate. 

Advocates and law enforcement alike must understand that although these coping mechanisms can surface as anger and frustration towards those that are trying to help, they are a reflection of the victim's trauma and a defense against vulnerability, not a rejection of support. An advocate acts as the liaison between the victim and law enforcement to foster mutual understanding in order to be able to work towards the common goal of justice and healing. 

One of the first things I do when called out to a recovery is to listen. This may seem obvious but it is a first step that is often missed. Simply listening is one of the most crucial steps an advocate can take during the recovery process of a victim. At the point of an initial recovery, we are encountering victims who have been robbed of their autonomy, their sense of self, and often feel as if they have lost all control. They have been stripped of their ability to meet their most basic human needs; food, water, clothing, and medical care have all fallen under the control of the trafficker. Traffickers often withhold basic needs to assert control and maintain power over their victims. 

The simple act of listening can help us better understand their immediate needs, fears, and concerns. Because of the trauma they have endured, many victims struggle to know and express what their needs are, which is why, as advocates, we must learn how to recognize and respond to their cues. Feeling heard can be the first step in rebuilding trust and empowering them while creating a safe space free of judgement where the victim feels valued and respected. 

This is the key to a victim-centered approach to recovery. A victim-centered approach prioritizes the well-being of a victim above all else. By providing them with choices and information to regain a sense of control, we are laying the groundwork for the healing journey that lays ahead.

In the work of victim advocacy, success stories can be rare. But when they do happen, they serve as powerful reminders of why this work matters. In the next section, I want to share the story of a survivor—her journey of resilience, strength, and healing.

If you think you know someone who is a victim of human trafficking, reach out to your local police or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888).

If you are inspired by the use of data and technology in the fight against trafficking, consider a donation to Spotlight to keep this technology in the hands of first responders.