Awareness and Perceptions of Faith-Based Organizations’ Competencies as Stakeholders in the Fight Against Human Trafficking

Author: Hounmenou, Charles

Abstract: This study examined faith-based organizations’ (FBOs) awareness, capacities, and involvement in anti-trafficking efforts, extending and validating prior qualitative findings. Using a survey design, data were collected on FBOs’ engagement, motivations, resources, and challenges as potential stakeholders in the anti-trafficking landscape. A purposive sample of 380 individuals yielded 77 responses (20.3%). Respondents were predominantly female (80%), affiliated with Christian organizations, and 60% held leadership roles. Most FBOs (59%) relied primarily on private funding. Sixty-five organizations reported recent anti-trafficking activities, with faith identified as the primary motivator (86%). FBOs served diverse groups of trafficking survivors and, in some cases, employed survivors. Participants affirmed pre-identified FBO competencies but perceived FBOs as more likely to serve female sex‑trafficking survivors. Administrative burdens – particularly cumbersome paperwork – were cited as major barriers to accessing public funding. Additional obstacles included service gaps for male and LGBTQ+ survivors, housing shortages, and confusion regarding stakeholder roles. Although interfaith collaboration was viewed as common, participants noted limited utility for law enforcement. Overall, findings highlight FBOs’ significant yet often underestimated contributions to anti-trafficking work and confirm earlier research documenting their central role. The prominence of women in these efforts is noteworthy. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.

Keywords: competencies, faith-based organizations, human trafficking, roles, stakeholders