“STEP” Software Revolutionizes Support for Victims of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence

A group of Arizona women has developed a new software to help victims of human trafficking or domestic violence become survivors. The software is called STEP: Survivors Together, Elevating People.

“I usually argue that you don’t have to put chains on someone if they already have them in their minds. That is what a lot of it is about getting someone to a point where they don’t believe they have any options,” Samantha explained.

Samantha is a human trafficking survivor who has asked us to keep her legal identity confidential. She said that she knows what it’s like to feel helpless. She was trafficked in Arizona for over a decade and says it is difficult to locate a safe place to seek help.

“When you only have moments, you know, minutes at the most, you don’t have time to sit there and search through this,” she remarked. Gina Jernukian, a Phoenix-based permanent makeup artist who also removes brand tattoos on human trafficking survivors for free, discovered that victims seeking help lacked easy and safe access to options.

“This happened several times. “It felt like something needed to be done,” Jernukian explained.

Jernukian began developing the app three years ago with Samantha and two other human trafficking survivors.

“It was inspired by human trafficking, but it’s for anyone that has a need for a resource but can’t find one,” Jernukian said. The app was live online two weeks ago and is currently in phase one, which means they are encouraging organizations to STEP. These groups provide a variety of services, including housing, rehabilitation, attorneys, and food. Jernukian stated that all organizations are reviewed before being listed on the platform.

Jernukian stated that thousands of companies are already on-boarding countrywide, with 50,000 in Arizona alone.

A user can enter their location or zip code to receive a quick list of all organizations within a 100-mile radius.

The app also includes a tool to keep victims secure. There is a ‘fast exit’ option. When the user picks it, they are directed to the weather channel. There are also procedures to delete your search history. These elements will prevent an abuser from catching a victim looking for an escape. It is also a web-only application. It can’t be downloaded. Jernukian explained that phone apps cannot be uninstalled quickly, which could pose a risk to a victim.

Samantha claimed it would have helped her leave sooner.

“The length of time, I believe would’ve been shorter, if I would’ve had more resources and more options,” she remarked.

Jernukian stated that in three to four months, they will launch a campaign to promote the app by handing out cards with a QR code for the website and posting the QR code in public areas such as airports. She stated that organizations will also conduct their own outreach.