On June 9, 2025, the Philippine Survivor Network (PSN), in collaboration with IJM, hosted the 2025 Survivor Conference titled “Models of Resilience and Collaborative Action for a Stronger Tomorrow.” Streamed online from the Manila office of global law firm White & Case, the event brought together over 110 virtual attendees and over 30 participants onsite.

This is the PSN's first conference, conceptualized, led, and hosted by survivor leaders. The conference demonstrates the growing expertise of survivor leaders, showcasing different means through which survivors make an impact—advocacy, consultancy, storytelling, and creating a support community for fellow survivors.

The conference was hosted by survivor leaders Theia and Barbie and featured a presentation on the Voices of Empowerment report, an online publication co-authored by survivor leaders, on working and interacting with survivors.

Hosts Barbie and Theia, survivor leaders

Ruby*, a survivor leader who shared the report’s findings at the conference, said, “Survivors shouldn’t just be the center of your stories but co-authors of the solutions you develop.”

Survivors shouldn’t just be the center of your stories but co-authors of the solutions you develop.

Survivor Leader Ruby presents key points from the Voices of Empowerment report

Representatives from partner organizations Eleison Foundation, White & Case, SheWorks, and Communitails spoke at the conference, sharing their responses to the Voices of Empowerment report, and their experiences engaging survivors. The event also included a panel discussion with two survivor leaders and one partner from the Department of Justice Inter Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ IACAT).

Throughout the conference, guests heard presentations on the importance of informed consent, genuine survivor engagement, trauma-informed care, and survivor autonomy.

Survivor consultant Monique shares her experience collaborating with partners

A representative from Communitails, who provide Animal-Assisted Services, shared that, “The guidance is something I’m deeply grateful for…Survivor leaders are the ones who truly know what safety, support and dignity look like.”

Survivor leader Joy, Mark Hernandez from White & Case, and Cristel Crisostomo of SheWorks)

The event concluded with a shared commitment from stakeholders to prioritize survivor voices—not just as beneficiaries, but as key partners and leaders in the fight for change. The Voices of Empowerment report is “a powerful reminder that survivors are not just participants, but leaders and collaborators in the movement for change,” PSN leader and social worker Joy said.

“This conference is just the beginning of deeper collaboration, louder voices and unstoppable hope,” Joy said.

This conference is just the beginning of deeper collaboration, louder voices and unstoppable hope.

The focus on survivor leaders throughout each of the sessions sent a message to other survivors that they are not alone in their journey, they have a vital role to play, and a unique piece in the story that no one else can fill.

Watch the 2025 Survivor Conference here.