Human Trafficking – Survivor Focused Healing & Advocacy

Courage to heal and realize a life beyond trauma

Every year, thousands of young women suffer the horrors of being sexually exploited. At Vista Maria, we are fearless in our commitment to keep them safe and make them strong – bringing wholeness and possibility to those who need it most.

Vista Maria has always been a place of healing and restorative relationships for young survivors in need. We provide a full continuum of care to address the unique needs of young trafficking survivors — from our residential services, to health and wellness, and foster care when appropriate.

Our 16 bedroom DeRoy Hall opened in 2014 to address the unique needs of adolescent female trafficking survivors. We continue to expand on our campus with new stabilization housing and an Emergency Intake Wing, which centers on the girl’s safety and care by bringing law enforcement, medical, legal, and protective services professionals to her in our secure and familiar surroundings.

Vista Maria’s statewide leadership in the treatment of human trafficking continues to grow. We advocate and build awareness to help people identify potential trafficking victims by providing training and education to organizations such as medical providers, teachers, faith-based groups and community organizations.

Vista Maria and the local Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) are now stronger in the fight against trafficking by combining two of Michigan’s leading human trafficking programs, Vista Maria and the Michigan Abolitionist Project are better positioned to improve awareness, advocacy and services to combat human trafficking.

MAP programs, staff and volunteers will continue and will be supported by Vista Maria’s board, leadership and infrastructure. Vista Maria plans in partnership to expand MAP’s high impact services to train and educate more professionals as well as advocate for heroic survivors across the state.

Learn more about Vista Maria’s expanding services and advocacy at Michigan Abolitionist Project.

U.S. law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor or services against his or her will.

The United States Department of Justice