Know Your Rights
Every person has a right to feel safe, be treated with dignity, and access services and protections under the law.
No matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you’ve experienced, you have rights — and you deserve access to information and support that helps you protect them.
You do not need to have all the answers, and you do not have to navigate these systems alone. This page is here to help you understand what protections exist and where to learn more when you are ready.
How to Use This Page
This page is meant to be a reference, not a checklist. You can explore one section, several sections, or return later when you feel ready.
If you are looking for immediate help or want to talk with someone right now, you can visit our Get Help Now page for support options.
If you are unsure where to start, a trained advocate can help explain your rights, talk through options, and connect you to support at your pace.
Victim & Survivor Rights
Under Maryland law, people who have been harmed by a crime have rights. These rights are meant to support your safety, dignity, and access to information and services.
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Housing & Tenant Rights
Under Maryland law, renters have important rights related to safe housing, fair treatment, and protection from discrimination. These include protections around leases, eviction processes, housing conditions, and fair housing practices. Maryland also provides additional housing protections for survivors of domestic and sexual violence (which can include human trafficking). These can include options to end a lease early in certain situations and protections related to safety.
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Employment & Labor Rights
Survivors have the same employment and labor rights as other workers. This includes the right to be paid fairly, work in safe conditions, be free from discrimination or harassment, and speak up about workplace concerns without retaliation. These rights apply regardless of immigration status, past exploitation, or whether someone chooses to report their experience.
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Benefits & Public Assistance Rights
People in Maryland have the right to apply for public benefits and assistance programs that support basic needs and stability. These may include food assistance (SNAP), medical coverage (Medicaid), cash assistance, housing support, and other safety-net programs. Eligibility is based on specific program rules, and many benefits are available to households with eligible children even if adults in the household are not eligible themselves.
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Relationship Rights
Everyone has the right to relationships that are safe, respectful, and consensual. This includes the right to set boundaries, make decisions about your own body and relationships, and live free from control, threats, or abuse. No one has the right to isolate you, monitor you, force sexual activity, control your finances, or decide who you can see or talk to.
Learn more through these resources:
Immigration-Related Rights
Everyone has basic rights in the United States, regardless of immigration status. This includes the right to safety, emergency medical care, fair working conditions, and to seek help from advocates or service providers without being reported to immigration. You may also have options for immigration protections and work authorization designed specifically to support survivors and increase safety and stability. You do not need to report to law enforcement to ask questions or get help.
Learn more through these resources:
Digital Safety & Privacy
Survivors of trafficking and other forms of abuse may experience digital control, monitoring, or misuse of personal information. You have the right to privacy, safety, and control over your digital life. This can include concerns about phones, social media, email, location sharing, online accounts, or images shared without consent.
You are not expected to figure this out on your own. Trained advocates can help you think through digital safety options in a way that supports your comfort and choices.
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