Date

4-29-2026

Department

School of Communication and the Arts

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Media (PhD)

Chair

Wes Hartly

Keywords

human trafficking, trafficking, boys, men, males, media, social perception, survivors, anti-trafficking services, media, exploitation, masculinity

Disciplines

Communication

Abstract

This qualitative study examined how advocates communicate the experiences of male survivors of human trafficking. Grounded in narrative paradigm, this investigation explored how advocates frame and share survivor stories across the stages of recruitment, retention, and liberation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 advocates who work in the advocacy space, such as nonprofit organizations, survivor support services, advocacy groups, or general trafficking advocates. The results of the study provided insight into recruitment, retention, and liberation. Revealing trafficking with boys and men often begins with unmet needs and searching for a place of belonging. While retention is sustained due to shame, dependency, and manipulation. Liberation emerges as a process that takes time, requiring long-term support, services, and mentorship. This study gives an insight into how storytelling functions both strategically and ethically in advocacy communication, particularly in shaping public understanding of the trafficked male experience.

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