Together, We Can Change The Odds
For over 20 years, Thistle Farms has helped women survivors overcome the odds.
This movement is about how together we change those odds.
It Takes A Community To Heal Broken Systems
None of the women that Thistle Farms serves ended up on the streets by themselves.Long before we criminalize marginalized women, many have already known the short side of justice, the backside of anger, the underside of bridges, and the dark side of our country that still turns its back on child sexual abuse, criminalizes juvenile runaways, and accepts the violence of the human construct of "poverty”.
The issue of human trafficking is linked to a complacent society. One that is willing to tolerate the treatment of our sisters, either buying into the myths that they choose that life or that things will change without action.
Becca Stevens - Thistle Farms Founder & President
Policy Priorities
The tangled web of systems can seem daunting. With a focused approach to impact, we believe we will create change.

Vulnerabilities and Sexual Exploitation
Addressing the systems that commodify the marginalized and vulnerable.

Normalization of the Sex Trade
Normalization emboldens buyers to enter the market and increases trafficking to meet buyer demand.

Availability and Accessibility of Services
Mitigating the harms and impacts of sexual exploitation, accessible services must be universally available.

Impacts of Criminalization on Survivors
Decriminalizing survivors in increments - in ways that protect survivors and hold traffickers and buyers accountable.

Justice and Accountability
From traffickers, to buyers, to corporations who profit - we believe increased accountability will provide survivors more pathways to justice.
Collaborators & Allies
Change Begins With Introspection
Change at the community and cultural levels originates from personal reflection and change. Activism and advocacy must be rooted in personal conviction, requiring reflection on our own positionality within these issues and sustainability as a unified movement.

Evelina Giobbe Founder of Women Hurt in Systems of Prostitution Engaged in Revolt (WHISPER) and Survivor
The Intersection of
Exploitation & Marginalization
Exploitation does not just impact women in the sex trade, it impacts all women. Its very existence means that society deems some women disposable and some not, and all women are subject to that societal judgment.
We see this show up when advertisers use women as props, films portray women as one-dimensional, and violence against us is normalized to just an expectation of our existence.
Fiction From Truth
Sensationalism may spark public interest through shocking images and stories, but it does more harm than good by spreading misinformation and perpetuating stereotypes.
Listen To Survivors
Education Is Key
Resources to help unpack the complexities surrounding exploitation.
It Takes Action To Create Change
Activism and advocacy isn’t limited to an age, demographic or platform. Greta Thunberg was 15 when she protested outside of the Swedish Parliament for further environmental protections. Gloria Steinem was 85 when she protested Pornhub’s pop-up shop in New York in 2017.

Advocacy Updates
Subscribe to news about our advocacy work and ways you can help.
Use Your Voice
A single candle lights up the darkest night. A single petition signed, email to a legislator, or social graphic shared is momentum in our movement.
Show a survivor you care
Leave a note of love and affirmation for a survivor. These messages will be shared with the residents and graduates of our residential program to encourage and uplift.
Speak your truth
Sharing and amplifying your story may be a powerful part of your healing journey.
Take the Pledge
Love is the most powerful force for change in the world. Pledge to end violence and exploitation through small and great acts of love.
Thistle Farms Network
Connect with a Local Sanctuary
We are proud to partner with over 90 organizations around the country that create healing, hope, and freedom for women survivors.
Become a Social Media Advocate
Browse a library of informative graphics to share in your own profiles.