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Human Trafficking

Represent Resilience

The 20th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act was observed in 2020. The Act recognized the importance of holding traffickers criminally accountable, protecting victims, and preventing victimization from occurring in the first place.

OVC leads the Department of Justice’s response efforts to combat human trafficking and provides the most federal funding to those on the frontlines. In commemoration of the 20th anniversary, OVC launched this art initiative—Represent Resilience—to feature original artwork by survivors, advocates, and anti-trafficking professionals across the country.

We received an overwhelming response from survivors and providers across the country and, with the assistance of a survivor-led review team, we are pleased to announce the artwork selected for our virtual display.

Beautifully Transformed

This photograph submitted by Matilde Simas represents transformation. According to the artist, Beautifully Transformed is a piece that explores the transformation of sex trafficking survivors in the U.S. Beautifully Transformed, is a layered composite of still image portraits and poetry written by Selina Deveau about her transformation from survivor to advocate. The portraits depict two survivors gazing up toward light symbolizing bravery and moving toward a better future.