Turning survivor experience into action

Advocacy

VST works across multiple systems and sectors to repair broken policies and practices that trap or retraumatize survivors. When policies fail or inadvertently cause harm, we amplify survivors’ voices to build momentum for policies that make survivor’s lives better.

Programs

Reclaim

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Total coercive debt identified in credit reports of Reclaim survivor participants

Average # of unpaid financial obligations per survivor

Reclaim Roundtable participating organizations

Acquired by VST in 2022, Reclaim helps survivors of human trafficking by removing coerced debt from their names and credit records.

We’ve streamlined the process to protect survivors from having to retell their stories while advocating directly with banks and creditors.

With strong partnerships, coerced debt is no longer a lifelong barrier, but something survivors can finally leave behind.

Toward National Standards to Eliminate Coerced Debt

In 2023, VST partnered with survivors and stakeholders, including the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA), to generate support for Ontario's Bill 41: Protection from Coerced Debts Incurred in Relation to Human Trafficking Act (Bill 41). The bill was passed in record time with rare cross-party consensus.

This legislation compels financial institutions and collection agencies to forgive coerced debts and remove them from survivors’ credit reports — a major shift in how financial harm is understood and addressed.

VST and the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA) are working to build political and public momentum for similar laws across Canada, continuing to advance national protections grounded in the lived experiences of survivors.

Protecting Children in Care: Bill 188, The Supporting Children’s Futures Act.

In 2023/24, VST made recommendations to Ontario's Standing Committee on Social Policy for proposed Bill 188, The Supporting Children’s Futures Act.

If passed, the Act will help safeguard vulnerable young people in Foster Care from exploitation.

AI Harassment Legislation

Also in 2024, VST addressed the Ontario legislature to spotlight the growing threat of AI-generated deepfake harassment and sextortion, particularly targeting youth.

We shared frontline insight into how emerging technology is being used to harm students — and urged lawmakers to develop urgent, youth-focused policy responses.

This work shapes how governments respond to the next frontier of digital violence.