The Survivor Inclusion Initiative (SII) was developed in 2019 to address a key component in the recovery and reintegration of survivors of human trafficking and other forms of modern slavery: overcoming structural barriers and restoring financial agency and access.
SII prioritizes efforts that increase financial inclusion, helping survivors open bank accounts, repair credit, address coerced debt, and build financial literacy. The initiative also works directly with financial institutions to create safer, more inclusive pathways for survivors, ensuring that systems designed for the general public do not inadvertently harm those who have experienced exploitation.
Through SII, survivors gain access to the tools that most people take for granted: a bank account, a credit score, a financial plan. These are essential for securing housing, pursuing education, and building long‑term stability.
Why it matters:
Traffickers often exploit victims through coerced debt and identity theft.
“It is an issue I still struggle with today. My credit is shot because I have things in my name that I never knew I had. And, because I’m not as open to telling a credit person, ‘Oh this is my life, this is what I went through,’ and giving proof of [my trafficking experience]. I can’t get a phone bill in my name. I can’t get a lot of things in my name.”
— Human Trafficking Survivor (Polaris “National Survivor Study Initial Learnings,“ 2022)
Who participates:
Survivors
Confirmed survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery seeking financial stability, credit repair, and safe access to financial services.
Survivor Support Organizations (SSOs)
Organizations providing case management, advocacy, or direct services who partner with Polaris to support survivor financial access.
Financial Institutions
Banks, credit unions, and financial service providers committed to building safer, more inclusive pathways for survivor customers.
Resources and Information:
Get Involved!
Learn more, connect with us, and find ways to get involved:
Financial Institutions: Join the SII Waitlist
Survivor Support Organizations: Become a Partner
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs
Current Financial Institution Partners
The Survivor Inclusion Initiative (SII) was launched by the FAST Initiative (Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking) during the 2019 United Nations General Assembly session in New York, to address key components in the recovery and reintegration of survivors of human trafficking and other forms of modern slavery: overcoming structural barriers to financial services and providing financial agency and access. In its pilot phase of operation (2019–2023) and to date, SII has facilitated the opening of more than 3,000 bank accounts for survivors of human trafficking. Fourteen financial institutions and 39 survivor support organizations participated in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
For partnership or program inquiries: email sii@polarisproject.org