Elyssa Schroeder is the Director of Survivor Engagement at the Center on Human Trafficking Research and Outreach, where she oversees projects related to the care, research, and support of victims and survivors of human trafficking. Additionally, she is a PhD Candidate researching gender-based violence, complex trauma, and survivor-driven interventions. With 15 years of experience in direct advocate services, victim services, policy, and research within the domestic violence and anti-trafficking movements, her current focus is on developing culturally responsive and trauma-informed services. She has been awarded personal funding for this work from the International Labour Organization and a Fulbright Scholar grant.

Elyssa acknowledges that survivors of GBV are not a monolith and need adaptable services that view each person as deserving respect and healing. This also means actively addressing oppressive systems such as racism, sexism, ableism, colonialism, and queerphobia.