Sex trafficking (ST) is a major public health problem, and service provision for ST survivors poses distinct challenges. A coalition of three agencies in Los Angeles was formed to: 1) identify the barriers ST survivors face in accessing help; 2) identify how the needs of ST survivors may differ from domestic violence survivors; and 3) evaluate a new service model to better address survivors’ needs. Researchers developed and evaluated a new model designed to serve ST survivors through interviews and focus groups with staff and clients. Results indicate that some practices excluded ST survivors from services, including requiring IDs or TB tests. Due to mistrust, survivors were reluctant to answer questions by phone or be picked-up at a police station. Curfews and safety holds triggered feelings of revictimization due to loss of autonomy. Because many came directly from crisis situations, some ST survivors triggered easily, isolated themselves, or were unwilling to open up to strangers. They had difficulty relating to other shelter clients, who generally have very different backgrounds and experiences, and felt judged by them. Substance abuse, legal, education, housing, and job placement services were especially relevant. Changes to outreach services, intensive, tailored case management, more flexible shelter intake eligibility, and specialized services such as single rooms and ST-specific counseling were effective. An appreciation of the physical, social, and emotional impact of trauma on survivors can help agencies avoid re-traumatization. A comprehensive, long-term service model is required to address the unique experiences and needs of ST survivors.

Presentation Objectives:

· Describe the barriers that ST victims experience in accessing help

· Explain how the needs of ST survivors differ from those of domestic violence survivors

· Discuss how a trauma-informed approach to care could benefit ST survivors

· Identify at least three strategies that could be used by community-based agencies better meet the unique needs of ST survivors

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There is much published research and advocacy by victim service providers about the unique needs and challenges that victims of human sex trafficking/commercial sexual exploitation face (Clawson, et. Al ASPE, 2008). It is imperative that those working in the field as service providers and/or advocates recognize that these social determinants of health serve as barriers for getting out of “The Life”, and also mirror the risk factors that led to a victim’s experience with exploitation; thus, requiring coordinated, multidisciplinary efforts to assist victims with social reintegration. Consideration of these factors and evaluations of client outcomes led Cherise to develop the BRIDGE program, designed to move one from Victim, to Survivor, and onward to Thriver. These interventions require far more than basic needs support, and should come with the understanding that the victim needs to be equipped to cope with, combat, and overcome factors in their communities that will not only stand in the way of their progress, but may lead them back into sex trafficking. This presentation will focus on discussing those factors (social determinants of health) and will briefly discuss how we can begin to mitigate them on a macro-level (policy, etc.). This presentation will hone in on how we can create more robust programs, work with partners, and provide more than a “warm hand off” in order to equip victims of sex trafficking with the education, skills, resilience, and continued support that they need to overcome these social challenges to have positive outcomes across the life course.

Presentation Objectives:

· Explain what social determinants of health are and how they serve as barriers to social reintegration for victims of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation

· Describe how a continuum of care network should be established to serve the needs of human trafficking victims

· Discuss best practices that should be incorporated when develop programming to address the specific needs of victims of human trafficking

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