b'One question that is perpetually raised when itto survivor networks and known public figures comes to sexually exploited personsparticularlywho are also trafficking survivors. We received regarding the violence, degradation, criminality,189 survivor responses, all female, between 14 and potential for death in the tradeis, Whyand 64 years of age. The average age was 38.6, doesnt she just leave? Few studies have endeavoredwith most respondents being between 30 and to tackle that question. Few have sought to provide49 years. We learned the following about their an understanding of the factors that keep a personsexual exploitation entry, retention, and exit: in exploitationor, on the flip side, the state of being, mindset, relationships, circumstances, orSurvivor Responses events that lead to exit. Average age at A step toward understandinginitial exploitation:18.6 years I n 2025, the Institute for Survivor Care soughtAverage age of initial exploitationto identify what facilitates a victims successfulif trafficker was family: 9.4 years and permanent exit from sexual exploitation.Percent under the age ofThrough this study, we hoped to address those21 when initially trafficked: 63% factors and reduce recidivism back into exploita- Average number of tion, as well as encourage more victims to exityears in exploitation:14.6 yearsand seek help. Working with a group of survivors to createAverage age at finalthe tool, a survey was sent to more than 220exit from exploitation:33.5 yearstrafficking shelters across the country, as well as 20 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025'