Sex Trafficking in Hawaii: The Stories of Survivors
Dominique Roe-Sepowitz, MSW, PhD; Kimberly A Hogan, MA, LMSW & Kristen Bracy, MA, MSW | September 19 | 9:00-10:00 AM
Topic: Research | Knowledge Level: Beginner, Intermediate | Location: Room 2584
Hawai’i, in 2016, was the last jurisdiction in the United States to pass a state law addressing human trafficking. To date, no sex trafficking case has ever been successfully prosecuted under this law against a sex trafficker in Hawai’i. However, no criminal justice data does not mean that sex trafficking does not exist in Hawai’i. Sex trafficking has been found in every state in the United States, including Hawai’i, and in most countries around the world. The global and national dimensions of sex trafficking have functioned to obscure the unique and intertwined colonization of bodies and land in Hawai’i. This mixed methods study examines in-depth the lived experiences of 22 victims of sex trafficking in Hawai’i. Findings include the challenges faced to change the culture that facilitates the secrecy of child sex trafficking in Hawai’i. The findings of the study will be discussed along with recommendations for services and policies.
Presentation Objectives:
· Discuss the results of a mixed methods study on the lived experiences of 22 victims of sex trafficking in Hawaii
· Explain the recommendations for services and policies