Posts in 2020
Addressing Patients' Sex Trafficking Risk in a High-Risk Healthcare Setting: Findings from a Collective Case Study in the Midwest

The Institute of Medicine and the Center for Disease Control recommend that healthcare providers have knowledge of sex trafficking (ST) indicators and conduct screenings to identify people at risk. However, barriers for healthcare staff who conduct such ST screenings remain largely understudied. The research question that guided this study was, “What are the perceived barriers to ST identification among staff in a high-risk healthcare setting?” This collective case study occurred across 5 sites of a large, high-risk health care organization in a Midwestern state. Researchers conducted 23 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with medical assistants and clinicians (e.g. nurse practitioners). Organizational materials (e.g. ST training modules, screening/risk assessment protocols) were collected. Two research team members conducted independent deductive and inductive coding. Although staff routinely screened by asking “Have you ever traded sex for money or drugs?”, they tended not to introduce the question in ways that were conducive to facilitating disclosures, and/or provided minimal follow-up. Occasionally, staff provided strong examples of follow-up assessment practices that they found helpful in soliciting more information (e.g. assessed patient risk by asking where/how sex exchanges happened). However, participants primarily described avoiding further discussions of ST because they 1) aimed to be non-judgmental and sex positive, 2) viewed following up as someone else’s job, and/or 3) lacked confidence discuss it themselves. There may be some missed opportunities to assess patients for ST risk and use harm reduction strategies or safety plan to address patients’ needs. Implications for healthcare trainings and future research will be discussed.

Presentation Objectives:

· Provide an overview of a collective case study in a high-risk healthcare setting, including information on perceptions of indicators and healthcare staff's challenges to follow-up

· Discuss recommendations to normalize sex trading questions/disclosure and provide harm reduction strategies for use in healthcare settings

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Collaborating for Change: Responding to Sexually Exploited and Trafficked Youth

Minnesota has made ground-breaking strides in legislation and service provision for sexually exploited and trafficked youth. However, victims of sex trafficking often have a variety of needs and encounter significant structural barriers in accessing services (Gibbs, et al., 2015). In 2018, the state initiated a project, led by the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA), to coordinate multidisciplinary teams working to develop community-specific protocols to improve the systems response to survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Using the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) model, a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to improving the response to sexual assault in local communities, can be used effectively to coordinate services for victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking (Vietor & Hountz, 2018). This interactive presentation will describe the protocol development process for responding to sexually exploited and trafficked youth, including successes and lessons learned from the field. The presenter will focus on practical skills and techniques for developing tailored protocols that reflect the unique needs of each community, as well as best practices for team formation and coordination.

Presentation Objectives:

· Explain and demonstrate the need for community-specific, multidisciplinary response protocols

· Discuss how protocol development is a tool for systems change

· Assist attendees in designing a process for development and implementation of protocols

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Practice Guidelines for Treatment of C-PTSD and Dissociative Disorders with Therapeutic Flexibility

This presentation will address some of the issues when working with persons living with C-PTSD and dissociative disorders. Characteristically, abusers use a combination of fear, shaming, and conditioning to ensure their victims remain silent. Abusers have a strong interest in denial of abuse and in attempts to discredit the accounts of victims. This conditioning can be called several things: Brainwashing, Grooming, Stockholm Syndrome. This conditioning can lead to significant mental health hurdles and labels and barriers to exiting their situation. Individuals who have been deeply hurt by traumatizing, silencing, non-validating, and blaming abusers need access to systems of care, protection and justice that are knowledgeable, understanding, accepting, and validating, and which can offer interventions that become part of the solution rather than part of the problem. The presenters will discuss how they design treatment modalities that include the need for "therapeutic flexibility" by the therapist, family, and other care team members. Practices related to therapeutic flexibility start with understanding that the person being helped must be included in all stages of therapeutic engagement/treatment planning. Care team members need to work collaboratively and honestly/transparently share all input, fears, concerns, and successes when possible. Engagement with the person includes work in traditional and non-traditional settings utilizing several treatment approaches (talk, sensory integration, exposure therapy, etc.). Developing clear goals and recognizing the benefit of out-of-the-box approaches will create an environment for safety, growth, and healing.

Presentation Objectives:

· Briefly define C-PTSD and the scale of dissociative disorders and how they relate to therapeutic flexibility by understanding "out of the box" diagnosis and how therapeutic flexibility is necessary

· Describe how conditioning happens especially in childhood sexual exploitation and interpersonal familial violence

· Discuss how grooming, Stockholm Syndrome, and trauma bonding can create barriers to exiting situations and getting proper treatment.

· Describe the stance of therapeutic flexibility and why it is important for those who have experienced trafficking or CSEC

· Explore the challenges associated with the lack of properly trained therapist and inpatient care units

· Share real life scenarios and allow for conversation about out of the box solutions

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At the Margins, but not Beyond Our Reach: The Basics for Supporting LGBTQ+ Survivors of Trafficking

How can we better support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) survivors of trafficking? This session will address this question by starting with the basics – core concepts, terminology, and simple, but powerful actions we can all take. This basic knowledge is essential to serving survivors of human trafficking. At least within the sex trafficking realm, research suggests that LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately impacted. In other words, the percentage of LGBTQ+ human trafficking survivors is greater than the percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals in the general population. LGBTQ+ individuals experience unique challenges and have historically been marginalized and underserved. Moreover, human services professionals in the trafficking realm generally recognize that “relationship IS the intervention.” This fundamental principle forms the basis of this presentation. These human service professionals need basic knowledge of LGBTQ+ concepts and terminology, as well as supportive actions for LGBTQ+ individuals, in order to develop relationships. This session will review what it means to be LGBTQ+, some of the various identities that fall under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, working with pronouns, and tips for creating safer and more affirming spaces. The presentation will be activity based and emphasize application, asking participants to identify how they will incorporate lessons into their work once they return home. The presenters welcome those who are unfamiliar or apprehensive about the topic and will strive to create a space where participants can openly voice their questions and apprehensions.

Presentation Objectives:

· Define basic concepts related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, as well as common terminology used by LGBTQ+ communities

· Provide concrete tips and skills for better supporting LGBTQ+ survivors and creating safer and more affirming environments for them

· Discuss how attendees can apply lessons to their own work

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How Agencies that Traditionally Serve Domestic Violence Survivors Can Better Serve Sex Trafficking Survivors

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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Building a BRIDGE for Social Reintegration Through a Human Trafficking Continuum of Care Network

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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I Laugh in the Face of Trauma

Alexandra believes that more often than we care to think, trauma is the gateway that leads to trouble. She shares how unaddressed childhood sexual assault led a young girl from a seemingly “picture perfect” family down the rabbit hole into a world of drugs, specifically methamphetamine, and a violent relationship. After nearly losing her life, Alexandra spent three and a half years alternately in hiding from and in court against her abuser, until one fateful night when a random encounter resulted in his death. Despite recognizing her circumstance as domestic violence, it wasn’t until more than a decade later that Alexandra realized she had also been sex trafficked. This realization spurred the motivation to co-found Uprising, an anti-human trafficking non-profit organization. The more understanding there is surrounding difficult topics, the more opportunity there is for victims to be able to put a name to what is happening to them and then seek appropriate resources to help. Alexandra wants to help start this conversation in a way that makes it more approachable as she chooses to heal from her trauma through activism, human connection, and laughter.

Presentation Objectives:

· Describe the survivor's lived experience

· Discuss critical vulnerabilities that lead to further traumatization

· Explain what was learned through her experience and ways to prevent other victimizations

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Human Trafficking Investigations: Open Source Tools

Mrs. Kent will introduce some of the investigative barriers law enforcement are encountering when investigating human trafficking suspects and the solutions that can be found by using open source tools. This will lead directly into a discussion of what open source is. The speaker will then provide examples of open source tools, in real time, that can be used to obtain information on and evidence of human trafficking suspects and associated criminal activity. Online resources will be broken down into the following groups: social media, reverse person search, reverse photo search, reverse phone number search, mapping, video downloading, and secure searching. Mrs. Kent will provide of list of all resources to attendees and emphasize the laws, policies, and procedures of using open source tools and information. She will also discuss the nature and purpose of fusion centers and their role in assisting law enforcement in investigations. She will end the presentation with recommendations to make this process easier and for organizing collected data, then open the floor for questions.

*This presentation is specifically for law enforcement ONLY.

Presentation Objectives:

· Discuss barriers to human trafficking investigations

· Do a real time review of open source tools that can be used in investigations

· Discuss laws, policies, and procedures of using open source data in an investigation

· Discuss fusion centers and their role in aiding law enforcement

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Photovoice and Street Dramas: Involvement of Trafficking Survivors Living with HIV in Educational and Advocacy Campaigns

Many qualitative and quantitative approaches have been used to explore the experiences of trafficking survivors for sexual exploitation, living with HIV, in Nepal. However, the more participatory aspects of social justice research, such as inviting (and concretely supporting) the women to become more involved in precisely and intentionally advocating for their rights are still marginal. Therefore, this research was initiated to promote transformative outcomes, through photovoice and street dramas, in collaboration with survivors living with HIV in Nepal. Photovoice is a process in which people – usually those with limited power due to poverty, language barriers, race, class, ethnicity, gender, culture, or other circumstances – use video and/or photo images to capture aspects of their environment and experiences and share them with others. The session begins with an overview of the study process followed by a brief examination of the challenges the survivors living with HIV experience from intersectionality lenses. Then, the study highlights the multi-faceted power and strength of survivors in educating the general public and political leaders to this social issue through photovoice and street dramas. This session concludes with a brief video clip and the invitation to scholars for their involvement in future collaborative research. Overall, this session provides participants with an opportunity to consider and contextualize the broader social problem in a democratic and inclusive manner, and will encourage participation through discussion and critical dialogues.

Presentation Objectives:

· Provide a brief overview of how photovoice as advocacy and empowerment tool was used

· Discuss the challenges experienced by trafficking survivors living with HIV

· Share a brief video of street dramas

· Invite researchers and practitioners for future collaborative research

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Human Trafficking Includes Sexual Violence: Why Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Resource Centers have the Ability to Serve HT Survivors, and How to Use that Ability

This presentation aims to educate and encourage victim advocates and advocacy programs wishing to expand upon their ability to serve survivors of human trafficking. In the presentation, participants will develop a better understanding of how their work as a victim services provider overlaps with anti-human trafficking work. The goal is that victim advocates, particularly those working in communities with limited resources for human trafficking survivors, will realize that they have a greater capacity to serve trafficking survivors than what they may have previously thought, and that they will leave the presentation with some ideas on how to capitalize on their already established skill set. This presentation is geared toward advocates who are predominantly working with survivors of domestic/intimate partner violence and/or sexual violence and Court Advocates. Through guided discussion and hypothetical case examples, participants will learn to utilize their victim services skills and knowledge to develop a case plan specific to the needs of a trafficking survivor. Participants will also be given the opportunity to reflect upon the services currently offered at their agencies and begin thinking about how those services can adapt to fit the needs of trafficking survivors. The presenter will discuss all services from this lens, including shelter services, case management, and legal advocacy. The hope is that this presentation will begin to diminish some of the feelings of fear and inadequacy that service providers have when it comes to serving survivors from specialized populations, such as human trafficking survivors.

Presentation Objectives:

· Define human trafficking (HT), sexual violence (SV), domestic violence (DV), and intimate partner violence (IPV), including specific victimization types

· Discuss the overlap of SV, DV, IPV and all forms of HT, and identify similar patterns of conduct and survivor responses

· Define the role of Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Resource Centers in their most basic construct, and discuss the nuances between centers, with an emphasis on barriers for smaller rural programs

· Present hypothetical case examples to illustrate the ability for most DV and SV Resource Centers to serve HT survivors in some capacity

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F.R.E.E. to Thrive

The University of Toledo’s Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute’s F.R.E.E. program funded by the ECMC foundation provides scholarships and support for survivors of human trafficking. Specifically, the program has four phases, (1) Foundation, (2) Readiness, (3) Education , and (4) Employment. The acronym F.R.E.E. signifies each survivor’s potential to achieve economic and psychological freedom and empowerment. The presentation will discuss community partnerships and the efficacy of the four phases of the program. The Foundation phase includes the selections and screening process of adult survivors from across the country. An overview of the Readiness course is designed to achieve four objectives (1) To get students prepared for school, (2) To encourage students to tap into and use resources offered to be supported, (3) To empower students to achieve, and (4) To get students to be committed to complete their educational and career goals. The Education phase provides a $2,000 scholarship to an accredited vocational or degree program anywhere in the US. During the Employment phase, participants are assigned a job coach that provides a series of online virtual sessions that focus on job search, career exploration, personality assessments, soft skills, effective interviewing techniques, resume building, and more. Participation in the program involves comprehensive case management services on an ongoing basis. The services include incentives, mentoring, academic coaching, and emergency assistance. F.R.E.E. Participants will share their success stories while enrolled in the program. Learn more about program development and successful interventions for survivors of human trafficking.

Presentation Objectives:

· Discuss the efficacy of the F.R.E.E. Program component

· Discuss collaborations with community partners

· Share survivor’s success stories regarding support and interventions that prepared, supported, empowered, and helped them stay committed to obtaining their educational goals

· Present findings of successful interventions for survivors in the program

· Discuss the development, implementation, and evaluation of the F.R.E.E. Program

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When Morality Becomes Tyranny: Analysis of Religious Motivated Violence Against LGBTQ in Ghana

In spite of constitutional guarantee of safety and security of the citizenry, LGBTQ individuals are victims of homophobic violence in Ghana. Among those who incite physical and psychological attacks on them are religious leaders expected to be epitomes of mercy for all. (Appiah & Gates, 2017). The situation is worse in Nima, a predominant Muslim community in Accra. In a qualitatively interpretive approach, this presentation uses the purposive sampling technique to find answers to the following questions: 1. Why do leaders of morality encourage violence against innocent people? 2. Could the religious leaders consider dialogue? 3. How can they reconcile the peace they preach and the violence they encourage? 4. Is the LGBTQ community ready for dialogue? In all, ten Imams, ten human rights activists, and ten LGBTQ individuals were interviewed. Literature reviewed includes relevant verses of Quran and secular materials on human rights. Analyses and findings center on four main dimensions: Islamic moral obligation of mercy for all, constitutional guarantee for human dignity and liberty, African culture on fellow feeling, and United Nations declaration of human rights. Results reveal ignorance and emotions as the major factors of the religious inclined violence against LGBTQ community. The conclusion is that the violence against LGBTQ individuals defeats the purposes of all the four dimensions constituting the center of analysis and findings. Besides, the religious leaders do not appreciate the limitation of faith in a secular society. Among other recommendations, this presentation calls on religious leaders to consider dialogue and reasoning instead of animosity and emotions in their dealings with members of the LGBTQ community.

Presentation Objectives:

· Highlight the dangers of religious motivated violence against LGBTQ individuals

· Answer the question of why religious leaders who preach peace incite violence against the LGBTQ community

· Discuss how liberty, safety, and security of LGBTQ individuals can be ensured in all religious communities

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From Darkness to Light: Facilitating Hope through Art Therapy with Sex Trafficked Survivors

Art therapy is an effective way to assist in survivors’ recovery (Kometiani, 2020; Kometiani & Farmer, 2019; Tan, 2012). Art therapy groups for survivors of sex trafficking offer a potential for healing relationships, an opportunity to experience control, a way to process loss and integrate the past, and increase positive self-identity. Through emotional processing, establishing a community of support, increasing a sense of self-efficacy, and reintegrating trauma, survivors experience hope through participating in art therapy. The arts connect us to meaning beyond ourselves (van Der Kolk, 2014), and this presentation illuminates hope for survivors as the possibility of light after darkness. The presenter will define the practice of art therapy and provide an overview of the research regarding art therapy with survivors of sex trafficking. This presentation validates the compelling benefits of art therapy facilitated by a registered, board certified art therapist through several case studies of female survivors from a safe house setting. Various, structured interventions, goals, and outcomes are explored, and survivor artwork is examined to reveal symbolism and meaning. These case examples demonstrate that art therapy aids in recovery through experiencing empowerment, emotional processing and reintegration of trauma, increases self-worth, and establishes hope and supportive relationships.

Presentation Objectives:

· Define the practice of art therapy and describe the professional requirements for art therapists

· Provide overview of research regarding art therapy with survivors of sex trafficking

· Discuss art therapy interventions that benefit trafficked survivors

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Journal of Human Trafficking: What It Is and How You Can Contribute

Established in 2015, Journal of Human Trafficking (JHT) has become a premier outlet for the dissemination of research and programming. JHT contributes innovative applied knowledge while simultaneously helps bridge the gap between scholars and practitioners. JHT is international, interdisciplinary, and devoted to all issues related to human trafficking and modern day slavery. Focused largely on the professional development of audience members, this presentation will describe the JHT and how it originated. It will also highlight key trends and standout articles that have been particularly instrumental in moving the knowledge base forward and describe how audience members can become involved. Involvement can take the form of publication (i.e., as authors) or as a reviewer for submissions. Thus, this presentation will address submission requirements, the peer review process (double-blinded), and potential outcomes of such (e.g., accept, revise/resubmit, reject). Additional details on what these potential outcomes “mean” for the author and how to move forward if a rejection is received will also be presented. The process by which audience members can contribute to JHT (while simultaneously engaging in professional service) will be addressed, as will the benefits of contribution, as authors or reviewers, for professional growth and development.

Presentation Objectives:

· Provide an overview of the JHT

· Describe standout publications that have moved the knowledge base

· Identify ways audience members can contribute to the JHT

· Describe professional development benefits of contributing to the JHT

· Explain the behind-the-scenes academic publication process and how publication decisions are made

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I Want You to See Me: Narrative Performance

Your story matters. Your voice matters. Your experience matters. Your autonomy matters. I Want You to See Me is a creative, collaborative piece with the intention of shining a light on the stories and experiences that are often ignored, forgotten, or distorted and amplifies the voices of those who have been silenced. This narrative performance removes the layers of lenses that are often used to fuel disconnection and drive false narratives in order to truly highlight human dignity. I Want You to See Me invites the audience to acknowledge the personal and societal barriers that prevent us from truly seeing one another and facilitates participants to obtain a deeper level of understanding and connection across communities. I Want You to See Me gives platform to individuals who have been oppressed, marginalized, or exploited and gives them the reigns on how they want to be seen, heard, understood, and remembered.

Performance Objectives:

· Provide attendees with education and awareness regarding oppression, trauma, and exploitation

· Provide hands on materials regarding advocacy, mental health, and recovery

· Provide elements of narrative therapy to those sharing their stories as way for them to reclaim autonomy over their personal narratives and to counteract against stigma.

Performance Showtimes:

· Wednesday, September 23rd @ 11:30 am EST

· Wednesday, Setpember 23rd @ 7:00 pm EST

· Thursday, September 24th @ 11:30 am EST

· Thursday, September 24th @ 9:00 pm EST

· Friday, September 25th @ 11:30 am EST

· Friday, September 25th @ 7:00 pm EST

Purchase Tickets Online HERE.

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2020Anna Schrammart
Raised in Pimp City: The Truth About Domestic Human Sex Trafficking*

After the ending of the crack era and the climax of gang activity in urban America, a new epidemic struck this nation hard. Between the years of 1998 and 2010, nearly 55% of the people Armand King grew up with in San Diego had either become a pimp or a prostitute. This includes himself and his best friends. In this presentation, attendees will follow the lives of individuals, both male and female, that were forced into the sex trade, not by enslavement and not at gunpoint but forced by the simple denial of the real “American Dream” and poor education. It is said that in order to get rid of a weed, you must take it out from its root. This session not only tells a story that's rarely told, but also brings the audience face-to-face with the root of what we call “Urban Domestic Human Sex Trafficking” so we can truly prevent and intervene the continued growth of this weed. The presentation will end with solutions and a call to action. Learn how to really view the subculture of pimping and prostitution in America.

Presentation Objectives:

· Describe what led Armand and his friends into a lifestyle of sexual exploitation

· Discuss how we prevent future generations from becoming victims

· Explain what was learned as a result of this experience

*Trigger Warning: The content in this presentation may be triggering for some.

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Climate Migration and the Conundrum of the Rights of Migrants: An Analysis of Multiple Complexities in the Journey of African Migrants

Beyond small island and flood-prone areas, different regions of the world carry the burden of climate change. Loss of land for subsistence, scrambling for limited resources, severe weather conditions, and desertification, among other environmental concerns, have created a new category of migrants called climate or environmental migrants. Victims of climate migration face complex exploitative challenges; including human trafficking. The category, however, does not fall within the popular definition of refugees as a people that “leave their homes because of fear of persecution, generalized violence or events or seriously disturbing public order.” Across the globe, there is an emerging jurisprudence about the existence of this class of people called climate migrants and environmental refugees. For instance, the Fulani herdsmen crisis in Nigeria, drought-induced displacement of people over resource conflicts in Mali and Ethiopia, and mudslides in some parts of Uganda are forcing people to flee from their homelands for the security of their lives and search for resources in other parts of the continents. Despite their forced migration status, climate migrants are not captured under the existing international legal framework for the protection of refugees. The presentation speaks to vulnerabilities confronted by climate migrants, explores the existing positions of scholars, the existing legal framework on refugees, international human rights laws, soft laws, and courts on climate change-related migrations. Together with the prevailing realities in Africa and other less-developed nations, the presentation argues for the recognition of climate migrants as refugees and the need to promote social justice for climate refugees.

Presentation Objectives:

· Discuss the vulnerabilities of human trafficking for climate migrants

· Identify trajectories of climate change, violence, and displacements

· Explore the existing positions of scholars on climate migration and climate refugees

· Argue for the recognition of climate migrants as refugees

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Educator Sex Trafficking Awareness & Racial Disparities

Sex trafficking policies in the educational sector help to ensure that at-risk students have a higher chance of identification. In 2016, the Department of Education in the state of Pennsylvania added sex trafficking as a form of child abuse and neglect (S.B. 1311, 2016). Still, mandated reporter bias can shape interaction and perceptions toward youth of color (Jacoby-Senghor, Sinclair, & Shelton, 2016). One important consideration is the impact racial biases may play in warning sign identification of sex trafficking (George, 2015). This pilot pre-test post-test examines how sex trafficking professional development training in the state of Pennsylvania influence educators’ sex trafficking perceptions and the extent to which racial disparities exist when it comes to how likely educators are to report on behalf of children at risk of commercial sexual exploitation. Primary research questions include: 1) Do professional development trainings influence educators’ sex trafficking attitudes? and 2) Does the race of a sex-trafficked child influence educators’ likelihood to report? In total, researchers were able to recruit 149 people to participate in the study. The majority of the participants involved in the study were female. Despite this original sample size, many participants started but did not continue to answer any of the questions. Still, findings revealed 1) likelihood to report; 1a) report based on race; 2) attitudes of agency; and 3) empathy levels toward sex trafficked child. This presentation will reveal the pilot pre-test findings, provide a self-reflective activity which was administered in the intervention, and then go over post-test results and future research direction.

Presentation Objectives:

· Discuss the relevance of the study including location, policy related to location, and sample

· Review the research questions and methodology

· Provide insight into the intervention

· Discuss the results of the study, limitations, and future direction

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Spirituality and Resilience: Lessons Learned from the Chab Dai Longitudinal Research Project

The Chab Dai Butterfly Longitudinal research project (www.chabdai.org/butterfly) is a ten-year project (2010-2020) following 128 survivors of sex trafficking from 14 different faith-based organizations in Cambodia. It explored a range of topics including the impact of spirituality. The main research question was: “How has spirituality helped build resilience for survivors?” Ethical interviews were conducted twice a year with survivors in the shelters and then in their home area. Respondents didn’t express coercion in conducting research or faith activities. The results found benefits to restoration and in their relationships with others. Spirituality, both Christian and Buddhist, had positive implications for survivors. The presenter will conclude with discussing recommendations that holistic care must include spirituality and monitoring spiritual outputs should be part of good programming. Preventing unhelpful persuasion is part of avoiding spiritual abuse in child and vulnerable persons protection policies.

Presentation Objectives:

· Describe the value of this longitudinal research study

· Discuss the importance of spirituality as part of holistic care

· Discuss the importance of a holistic child/vulnerable persons protection policy

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Development of a Human Trafficking Multi-Disciplinary Team

In 2018 in Rock County, Wisconsin, a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) was developed to address the growing identification of human trafficking and need for collaborative services. Today, this team has grown and has worked together to address the needs of many identified victims or at-risk youth. Currently, the Rock County Anti-Trafficking Response Team (HART) consists of Child Protective Services, medical personnel, Victim Witness, community-based advocates, and several law enforcement departments. Through HART’s collaborative work, the community has seen an increase in prevention, initial engagement, ongoing support services, and community resources and created a support group for parents of human trafficking victims. Participants will learn how to replicate this MDT approach to human trafficking including identifying team members, overcoming failure, conducting case reviews, and identifying and addressing community needs.

Presentation Objectives:

· Discuss the importance of a multi-disciplinary team approach to addressing the needs of human trafficking victims

· Discuss how to build a multi-disciplinary team to respond to victims of human trafficking

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