When it comes to the issue of human trafficking, education and awareness are so important. Although this crisis is far more common and widespread than many realize, it is often misunderstood and surrounded by harmful myths. At the same time, commercial sexual exploitation continues to evolve, especially as technology changes the ways traffickers operate.
Our team is committed to meeting survivors where they are and providing support that makes a real impact. We know that to do the best job, we need to be constantly learning. That’s why our team is always staying up to date on the latest news, research, and resources surrounding this topic.
Recently, we asked our team members to share educational resources or content concerning human trafficking that they’ve found impactful. Our hope is that by exploring one or all of these recommendations, you can better understand the realities of human trafficking. The more we know about the current state of this crisis, the better equipped we will be to help survivors move forward toward hope and healing.
*Disclaimer: Any links featured in this article are provided for your convenience only. We do not earn a commission from any purchases—our goal is simply to share helpful educational resources with you.
Casey Bolin, Case Manager
I really like the book Girls Like Us: Fighting for a World Where Girls Are Not for Sale because it’s written by a survivor, and it gives a survivor-led, street-level view of how trafficking works and what actually helps people get out.
It blends real-life experience with the perspective of a service provider in a way that feels honest and practical. It also helps me understand the “why” behind behaviors I see every day in my office—especially why clients may return to unsafe situations or struggle to break free from traffickers.
The author explains these patterns as trauma bonding and survival, not “bad choices,” and that has helped me show up with more patience and clarity for my clients.
Ana Luna, Development Intern
I recommend watching this episode of a podcast called This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von.
Theo talks with Laila Mickelwait, the author of a book titled “Takedown: Inside the Fight to Shut Down Pornhub for Child Abuse, Rape, and Sex Trafficking”. She is also the Co-Founder/CEO of the Justice Defense Fund and the Founder of the #Traffickinghub movement.
I found this interview extremely informative. It details how sex trafficking occurs constantly on PornHub, a verified platform for what’s supposed to be consensual porn.
Lilian Ebhamen, Program Coordinator
As part of the Landing’s mission to meet survivors and support them to the best of our ability, I find this guide from Safe House Project’s “Caring for Survivors of Sex Trafficking” extremely helpful and informative.
The guide centers survivors’ emotional, physical, and long‑term needs with clarity and compassion. It is a well-rounded guide for anyone supporting survivors or even those who just want to learn how best to care for those who have experienced trafficking of any form. I love how this resource highlights the importance of understanding trauma responses and how to create environments where survivors can regain control over their healing.
This resource is especially relevant to The Landing’s mission because it reinforces the idea that meaningful support extends far beyond crisis response. The Safe House Project provides everyday guidance for showing up well for survivors by reminding us that healing thrives when communities are informed, consistent, and compassionate.
Sandy Swann, Lead Volunteer
I would like to recommend this list of resources, as I’ve found all of them to be very informative:
- Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Roberts Guiffre (One of Epstein’s victims)
- Scars and Stilettos by Harmony Dust
- Girls Like Us by Rachel Lloyd (also recommended by Casey)
- How I Survived: Prostitution by Brandi Payne
- Rough Trade by Steve Jackson
- Sold by Patricia McCormick
From The Landing Staff
We strongly recommend reading the 2026 State Human Trafficking Report.
This report is highly relevant to our team’s focus on human trafficking because it provides a comprehensive analysis of the issue using data from federal and state prosecutions, the National Human Trafficking Hotline, commercial sex advertisements, and illicit massage businesses.
By integrating multiple data sources, it offers a clearer understanding of trafficking patterns, trends, and enforcement gaps. This broader perspective helps inform more strategic, data-driven approaches to prevention, intervention, and policy development.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the issues impacting human trafficking survivors in our city and across the world. Please help us spread awareness by sharing this article with one friend or family member!
If you would like to support the work we’re doing to uplift survivors right here in Houston, please consider joining our monthly giving community, The Well.
