Our Approach - A prevention first model
We use a trauma-informed, prevention-first approach that equips individuals with the tools to recognize, respond to, and prevent exploitation—at every stage of life.
STOP HUMAN TRAFFICKING BEFORE IT STARTS!®
What This Looks Like in Practice
We do not share graphic or sensationalized stories
We do not rely on fear to drive engagement
We use developmentally appropriate language for every age group
We incorporate humor intentionally to reduce shame and increase retention
We begin with a “Take Care of You” statement—because emotional safety matters
Why It Matters
When education is not trauma-informed, it can unintentionally:
Reinforce fear
Create shame
Shut down learning
We believe prevention only works when people feel safe enough to engage.
That’s why we take our topic very seriously,
but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.
Our Trauma-Informed Approach - trauma-informed by design
We talk about hard things.
And we do it in a way that doesn’t cause more harm.
At The Set Me Free Project®, being trauma-informed isn’t a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. Many of the individuals we serve have experienced adversity, and we believe education should empower, not overwhelm.
What That Means
Our approach is grounded in five core principles:
Safety
We create environments where participants feel emotionally and physically safe. No graphic content. No shock tactics. No fear-based messaging.
Choice
Participants always have the ability to step out, take a break, or engage at their own pace. We honor autonomy—always.
Empowerment
We focus on what individuals can do, not what they should fear. Every learner leaves with tools, not just awareness.
Trust & Transparency
We are honest about the realities of trafficking while being mindful of how that information is shared.
Collaboration
Our presentations are interactive and discussion-based. We don’t talk at people—we engage with them.
Built on Research & Best Practice
Research & Evidence
Prevention isn’t guesswork.
It requires intention, strategy, and a commitment to doing what actually works.
At The Set Me Free Project®, our curriculum is built on a foundation of research, lived experience, and best practices in prevention education.
Our Foundation
Our work is informed by:
Trauma-informed care principles
Prevention science and risk/protective factor research
Social-emotional learning (SEL) frameworks
Behavioral decision-making and critical thinking models
Survivor-informed insights
We don’t just teach what trafficking is.
We teach why it happens and how to prevent it.
Ongoing Research & Evaluation
We are currently engaged in an external research review, including work connected to a CDC-funded initiative, to further evaluate the effectiveness of our curriculum.
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we:
Regularly update our curriculum based on emerging trends and research
Gather feedback from educators, students, and community partners
Refine our approach to ensure relevance and impact
What Success Looks Like
We measure impact not just by participation—but by change.
Our goals include
Increased ability to identify red flags and manipulation tactics
Improved understanding of healthy relationships and boundaries
Greater confidence in how to respond and seek help
Increased awareness of both sex and labor trafficking realities
Aligned with Best Practices
Our curriculum is designed to support:
School-based implementation
Community-wide prevention efforts
Industry-specific training needs
We align with recognized best practices in education by being:
Developmentally appropriate
Interactive and engaging
Grounded in real-world application
Designed for retention—not just exposure
Always Evolving
As research evolves, so do we.
We are committed to:
Using accurate, current, and respectful language
Moving away from outdated or harmful terminology
Continuously improving our content and delivery
Because prevention deserves more than good intentions.
It deserves excellence.
Why Prevention?
A Prevention-First Model
Many programs focus on awareness.
We focus on prevention.
That means:
Teaching students how to recognize manipulation and grooming
Building confidence in decision-making
Strengthening protective factors like self-worth and boundaries
Equipping individuals with practical, real-world tools
Awareness tells you something is happening.
Prevention teaches you what to do about it.
Our Collaborative Model
We Teach the Reality—Not the Myths
It’s not usually kidnapping
Most individuals know their trafficker
Social media is a primary recruitment tool
It’s not just sex trafficking
What Makes Our
Approach Different
Not fear-based
Not one-time presentations
Not one-size-fits-all
Instead:
Developmental progression
Real-world application
Long-term prevention strategy
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We Equip Communities to Lead
Facilitator training
Ongoing support
Recertification
Curriculum updates
