Survivors Connect

About | Our Modules | Phones4Freedom Campaign | Partnering Organizations

Ending Slavery one SMS at a Time!

Global use of mobile phone technology is developing and spreading at a rapid pace. Mobile phones have fundamentally changed how we communicate in society – it is instant, cost-effective and global.

Despite the widely acknowledged “digital divide” between the West and the developing world, the impact of mobile phones can be argued to have a greater impact in developing countries. Cellphone use is the primary telecommunications infrastructure for some nations. In many places, cellphones are easier to access than internet, most families own at least one, and are using their phones in different ways.

Our recent work has looked at how cell phones can be integrated into anti-trafficking efforts. While most countries have human trafficking hotlines, these have not been adequately utilized or publicized to community members, law enforcement and other parties involved in addressing trafficking. Additionally, rural areas that are prone to trafficking do not have regular access to internet or awareness that these resources exist. A typical hotline is not useful for rural communities vulnerable to trafficking.

A Solution: SMS Helpline Networks

Short Message Service (SMS) (noun): is a communication service standardized in the GSM mobile communication system, using standardized communications protocols allowing the interchange of short text messages between mobile telephone devices.

Survivors Connect has piloted various modules of SMS Helpline Network systems to monitor and combat human trafficking simply using a mobile phone, laptop and a special, easy-to-use software called Frontline SMS. Using these 3 tools, we are able to run a text/SMS based helpline service that connects networks of professionals who can respond in a crisis, as well as serve as a helpline for vulnerable communities needing information about gender-based violence, child protection, safe migration, trafficking and emergency support.

By using mobile phones, our partners are able to increase their reach to vulnerable communities prone to trafficking and prevent cases like never before. Whether its sending a text about a current case or trafficking scam, or simply helping isolated communities stay connected to resources, SMS Helpline networks use text to support anti-trafficking advocates around the world.

Why SMS?

In times of crisis, the tactical use of mobile phones can save lives. Using a mobile phone, NGOs and advocates can reach people they couldn’t before and can communicate through text to provide and share critical information as well as receive information

While text messaging has its limitations, it is still the only guaranteed way to reach all mobile phone users and it is cheap to send and receive.

• Allows two-way communication (for Q/A from individuals to Team members, surveys etc)
• SMS is advantageous over voice services: You can message to multiple people at once, as opposed to traditional voice messaging which is more time consuming.
• SMS/Text are discrete and can ensure the privacy of someone seeking help.
• A single SMS can be powerful, saving the recipient a lot of time and unnecessary travel, increasing trading opportunities or acting as a call for help.
• Text messages can be automated, and simple text messaging systems can be run using low-cost computers and cheap mobile phones.
• The software does not require Internet connection. It works using existing plans on all GSM phones.
• The software is laptop-based, and all data is stored on a local computer (rather than an outside server). It also stores all numbers to keep record of incoming/outgoing messages.
• Messages can be sent to individuals, select groups, or all members
• Easy to install, train users, implement and maintain

By using Frontline SMS to achieve freedom, we meet the following additional goals:

• Take information out of silos by: sharing information quickly with relevant populations, access helpline 24/7, quickly get everyone on the same page and keep everyone in sync as situations change
• Change attitudes and perceptions about women’s issues, child rights, human rights and labor standards of community members, police and other stakeholders
• Empower community watch groups with a technological tool to enhance existing awareness-raising efforts
• Empower the every day citizen to report by demonstrating a direct result when speaking up when rights are violated – countering a common attitude that standing up is pointless
• Provide security police with data on hotspots that can increase their presences in a given area and reduce trafficking
• Add to body of data on trafficking in a given area. Inform NGOs, activists and other governing bodies with the issue
• Support advocacy efforts through publicity and statistic building

Projects & Modules

Survivors Connect is piloting several types of modules of mobile use to combat human trafficking. We are currently working in partnership with grassroots organizations in Vietnam, Nepal, USA, Cameroon, Ghana and Haiti. Before we create a project, we first thoroughly create an asset map that assesses community assets that can address modern-day slavery. Through this process, we thoroughly realize a communities needs and existing gaps in services.  This is an important approach to our work so we do not “recreate the wheel” in any given place and we design something that can really work to enhance existing anti-trafficking efforts. We always partner with local grassroots organizations that have the capacity to address slavery and trafficking and can act as a hub for the SMS Network.

Based on the following key functions, we have developed a number of modules described:

• Reporting instances of violence/locations of suspected trafficking activity
• Organize/publicize events and meetings via text
• Viral campaigning – forward texts to a friend
• Mobilize awareness building
• Use as helpline so individuals can get support; also can act as a referral for other professionals
• Auto responders set up to give out key information about trafficking
• Coordinate a referral system depending on a victim/survivors needs.
• Immediate translation
• Geospatial mapping of texts

How to Help?

If you’re interested in getting involved with the project, feel free to email us at helpline@survivorsconnect.org. We currently need help collecting old/used cellphones, and fundraising for on-the-ground costs.

Check out our Phones4Freedom Campaign!

Survivors Connect is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.