Sex Trafficking and Early Childhood Sexual Abuse: Making Connections
Amy Rouleau, BSW, MPA | September 20 | 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
Topic: Experience, Direct Service | Knowledge Level: Beginner, Intermediate | Location: Ingman Room
This engaging journey will provide a greater understanding of how the foster care system, the human brain, and human trafficking are all connected. Amy’s personal testimony will leave you inspired and hopeful for a future without human trafficking. When a child experiences trauma, the developing brain has the capacity to shut down certain areas, to self-protect. As Amy explains the data and her own experience with abuse, severe disassociation, substance abuse, and cognitive issues, deeper systemic issues will unfold. While no child, or adult, is completely immune from the evils of human trafficking, those who have already experienced severe trauma are more likely to fall victim. Children in foster care, runaways, throwaways, and homeless are at a much greater risk of being trafficked than the typical child in America. Preventing human trafficking has proven to be a difficult endeavor, but do not lose hope. Through holistic approaches in mental health, early education, law enforcement, and foster care, intervention and restoration is possible.
Presentation Objectives:
· Explain how early childhood sexual trauma creates greater vulnerability to sex trafficking
· Discuss the connection between children in foster care, runaways, throwaways, and homeless children and sex trafficking.
· Describe how early intervention, support systems, and holistic therapy options can prevent sex trafficking