Dr Vassilia Orfanou, Editor in Chief, LUDCI.eu

An opinion piece

Introduction:

At the heart of IHTSJ’s mission lies a profound commitment to creating spaces for healing, empowerment, and change. For survivors of human trafficking, ritual abuse, and non-state torture, these spaces are not merely supportive—they are transformative. The stories we hear are often painful and unimaginable, yet they are filled with the resilience of survivors who refuse to be defined by their trauma. It is for these individuals, and for the countless others who still suffer in silence, that we do what we do.

A powerful testament to the organisation’s impact came from an anonymous survivor who attended our 2022 IHTSJ Conference. Their words resonate with the reason we strive to create moments of connection and education:

“I can’t even begin to explain how healing and validating it was for me as a survivor to see workshops on my specific types of extreme abuse (familial trafficking, ritual abuse, non-state torture). I’m not alone! And all the presenting survivors managed to have hope! Thank you to all who contributed to make this conference possible. You have changed my life for the better.”
— Anonymous Survivor, IHTSJ Conference 2022.

Why These Spaces Matter

In a world where the voices of survivors are too often silenced, platforms like the IHTSJ Organisation and Conference offer not just validation but a sense of belonging. Survivors often feel isolated, their experiences too horrific to share, and their stories too difficult for society to confront. The workshops and discussions we provide focus on these exact challenges, offering survivors a space to speak and heal.

Survivors repeatedly tell us that connecting with others who understand their pain gives them strength. The power of community is often the difference between remaining a victim and reclaiming a future full of hope and possibility.

“The deepest wounds are those of the heart and mind. Yet, the greatest healing often comes from realizing you are not alone in your pain.” — Vassilia Orfanou, Editor in Chief, Ludci.eu

The Parable of the Lantern

Consider this: a person trapped in darkness, struggling to find their way. They reach out, unsure if there is anyone to help, but they continue walking, desperate for light. One day, they meet another person carrying a lantern. The light is small but strong enough to guide them out of the darkness. This person, who once felt lost and invisible, suddenly realizes that there is a way forward—and that they do not need to walk alone.

The lantern represents our efforts in advocacy, awareness, and education. It’s small but bright, guiding survivors and their allies out of the dark corners of isolation and ignorance. Just as the survivor quoted earlier expressed, that light is life-changing. When people come together—whether they are survivors, advocates, or everyday allies—they form a collective force that can help others find their way.

The Parable of the Climbing Vine

Imagine a vine that grows in the shadows of a towering wall. Its progress is slow, and its path seems blocked. Yet over time, it finds cracks in the wall—small spaces of light where it can latch on and climb. Gradually, with persistence, the vine reaches the top, basking in the warmth of the sun.

This vine symbolizes survivors who may begin in darkness but, through resilience and support, find their way toward hope and healing. The cracks in the wall represent the moments of encouragement and connection that allow them to rise. Those small openings—glimmers of hope—help them flourish.

The Reality of Human Trafficking and Abuse

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), over 28 million people worldwide are currently trapped in forced labor, many victims of trafficking and exploitation. Behind every statistic is an individual with dreams and a right to freedom. Human trafficking and abuse exist globally, rooted in systemic issues like poverty and discrimination. Survivors often find themselves dependent, making escape even harder.

Despite the grim reality, hope exists. Growing awareness is leading to advocacy efforts, survivor-led initiatives, and education campaigns that shed light on these hidden abuses, pushing for systemic change and providing vital support for victims.

“When we shed light on the darkest corners of the world, we open pathways for hope and justice.” — Vassilia Orfanou

The Path Forward

The fight against human trafficking and extreme abuse is a sustained effort that requires global action. Whether through raising awareness, changing policies, or providing direct support to survivors, we all have a role to play. The journey to healing is complex, but community support makes it easier for survivors.

What can you do? Start by learning more about the issue. Human trafficking and extreme abuse are not just “out there” problems—they may be happening closer to you than you think. Advocacy begins with education, and understanding the problem is crucial to combating it.

Be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Through conversations, activism, or supporting organizations fighting human trafficking, every action counts. Our collective efforts can create a ripple effect that leads to real change.

A Call to Action

Survivors need us to be their allies. They need us to fight for a world where no one is trafficked, abused, or exploited. This means taking action, no matter how small it may seem. Raise awareness, donate to organizations that support survivors, or advocate for stronger anti-trafficking laws. Together, we can make a difference.

Survivors cannot walk this path alone; they need our support—our voices, our time, our commitment to justice. Let’s be the cracks in the wall that help the vine climb higher. Together, we can build communities of hope, where no one feels alone in their struggle.

As Vassilia Orfanou reminds us: “Hope is not a passive emotion; it is the foundation of all action and the key to unlocking a future free of exploitation.”

Conclusion:

The work we do to support survivors of human trafficking, ritual abuse, and non-state torture is not only necessary—it is life-changing. Every story of survival, every testimony of hope, reminds us why we must continue this fight. The journey to healing is long, but with collective effort, we can ensure that no one has to walk that path alone.

Let us all commit to being part of the solution. Let us stand together to create a world where every person can live with dignity, freedom, and hope.

#EndHumanTrafficking #SurvivorSupport #HopeAndHealing #TogetherWeCan #IHTSJConference #VassiliaOrfanou

References

MART PRODUCTION: https://www.pexels.com/el-gr/photo/7231416/