The study found that when trafficking victims were initially identified and offered assistance, they were confused about what was happening to them as well as the identities and motives of those offering assistance. Researchers repeatedly found that success in offering assistance to trafficking victims depended on providing reliable information about who was offering them services, the purpose of the services, and potential benefits for the victims. The specific circumstances of the victim also was an important variable that influenced whether or not she accepted the services offered. These findings make a strong case for providing written materials that are age, language, and educationally appropriate. Even if the victim initially declines the services for a variety of reasons, having written materials in hand provides a resource for later reference under circumstances in which the victim may accept the assistance offered. Another primary reason that many victims rejected assistance was that their families and friends were also vulnerable to various types of adversity but did not qualify for the type of assistance being offered to trafficking victims. Service providers should consider whether services to victims' families should be part of victim needs. Service providers should also make it clear that receiving services is not mandatory. Interviews were conducted with 39 trafficking victims and an additional 13 respondents involved in street prostitution whose trafficking status could not be determined; 90 key informants were interviewed as well. 54 references