Intersectional Gender Oppression: Sex Trafficking and Reintegration of Trafficking Survivors in Nepal

National and international academic communities and non-profit organizations have conducted several studies to understand sex trafficking and its implications; however, research related to the areas from human rights and social justice standpoints, through the use of Participatory Action Research (PAR), is still marginal. Therefore, this study was initiated to unpack intersectional gender oppression that increased the vulnerability of the women to sex trafficking and hindered trafficking survivors in their reintegration, upon their return to Nepal. PAR, a liberatory and empowerment methodology, was conducted with eight female trafficking survivors who were recognized as “co-researchers”. This study allowed them to critically understand their oppression, develop strategies, and effectively act to address the issues of sex trafficking and their reintegration through a wide range of educational and advocacy campaigns such as conversation café, photovoice, and street dramas. Findings focus on three main areas: (1) socially constructed root causes of sex trafficking; (2) challenges of survivors in their reintegration; and (3) PAR as a transformative tool. Results indicate that intersectional gender oppression as a key factor increases the vulnerability of women to sex trafficking and micro-aggressive behaviors against survivors are one the biggest challenges for survivors in their reintegration. Overall, by utilizing survivors’ knowledge, skills, and experiences in addressing the identified issues, their meaningful and effective involvement for their liberation and emancipation are one of the most unique contributions of this PAR research. This presentation concludes with the discussion of the implications of the study for research policy and practice.

Presentation Objectives:

· Provide an overview of the socially constructed root causes of sex trafficking and reintegration issues experienced by trafficking survivors in Nepal

· Share PAR as a transformative and liberatory approach

· Describe the implications of the study for policy practice and research

2020Anna SchrammSeptember 23, 2020Rita Dhungel, PhD, BL, BSW, RSW & Sanjamaya Tamang23:10:00

Human Trafficking 101

This presentation will provide a basic overview of human trafficking, focusing on both domestic and foreign trafficking as well as labor and sex trafficking. Topics will include the definition of human trafficking, how traffickers recruit, indicators for victim identification, the impact of social media, and how individuals can make a difference in helping to combat and end human trafficking. Using the most current research and resources, the presentation is designed not only to educate but empower the participant.

Presentation Objectives:

· Provide a basic understanding of human trafficking for the first-time attendee

· Provide the best sources of statistics

· Provide resources for the participant to explore

· Provide a way not only to educate but empower the participant

2020Anna SchrammSeptember 23, 2020Chuck Campbell, MDiv, BA, BS23:10:00

Building Positive Connections: The Purpose and the Process

CATCH Court works with survivors of human trafficking whose circumstances have led them to criminal justice involvement. The CATCH Court staff provide wraparound services to the women in the program as they exit the life. One of the main focal points for the staff during the two years of participation, outside of addiction and trauma therapy, is to help the women learn how to engage in healthy relationships and connection. The staff have witnessed a significant deficit in the participant’s ability to set appropriate boundaries, have effective communication, or display fundamental relational skills. This is largely due to their experiences and perceptions that have framed what a relationship looks like. Staff experiences show that a survivor is in need of multiple support people to effectively leave the life, which is challenging for those who have never functioned within a structure of wellness and autonomy. In addition, experiences within the docket have also provided staff with anecdotal evidence as to how unhealthy relationships can lead to the re-entrance of the life. CATCH Court has developed guidelines to assist in the process of safety and learning while navigating foreign territory regarding relationship building and appropriate connection. Connection is one of the most vital elements – to women, to addicts, and to trauma survivors. It has to be a focus for those working in the anti-trafficking field.

Presentation Objectives:

· Discuss the importance of cultivating connections in the lives of survivors

· Describe a framework on how CATCH Court facilitates the process of healthy connections

· Explain the high influence of relationships to an increase or decrease in risk for the women who are trying to exit the life

2020Anna SchrammSeptember 23, 2020Gwen England, CDCA & Shauna Harrison, LISW23:10:00

Prevalence of Transactional Sex among High School Students in Minnesota

Transactional sex – survival sex, sexual exploitation, and trafficking – among youth can result in significant and lasting harms. It is illegal, dangerous, stigmatized, and hard to study. Most research uses non-probability samples because representative sampling is nearly impossible, and there is a paucity of population-based data. What is the prevalence of transactional sex among Minnesota high school students? How do rates vary by demographics, relevant experiences, and correlated health indicators? This research study uses data from the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey (MSS), a tri-annual surveillance program administered in public school districts. The analysis sample included 71,007 students who answered the question (y/n): “Have you ever traded sex or sexual activity to receive money, food, drugs, alcohol, a place to stay, or anything else?” Overall, 1.4% of high school students reported trading sex. Similar rates characterize cisgender girls (1.4%) and boys (1.3%); a higher rate distinguishes transgender students (5.9%). Rates vary by race/ethnicity, geography, other relevant experiences, and health indicators; e.g., among youth who reported substance use, 15% also indicated trading sex. Using the rate of 1.4% and Census data, researchers estimate that at least 5,000 Minnesota youth are involved in transactional sex. This is likely an undercount. The MSS is administered on one day during school. Students most likely to answer yes are also the students least likely to attend school due to bullying, expulsion, push out, and more. This data is a call to action and helps answer a long-standing debate about actual extent of transactional sex among youth people.

Presentation Objectives:

· Provide new data to help answer questions about the prevalence, scope and scale of youth involved in transactional sex (includes survival sex, exploitation and trafficking)

· Describe the methods and results from a secondary analysis of a population-based dataset administered in Minnesota high schools that added a question about transactional sex in 2019

· Identify implications for prevention, policy, and practice from this new prevalence data

Art Immersion and Relaxation

This exhibit is intended for education, relaxation, and therapeutic interactions. We understand the topics discussed throughout this conference are vital but can also be draining. Should you feel as though you need a mental health break, find yourself with a gap between sessions, or if you just love art and are interested in how it can be used for coping and relief, come explore this interactive exhibit!

Exhibit Objectives:

· Use art as a coping mechanism to deescalate attendees who may be in distress

· Create a space where attendees can feel safe

· Provide attendees with accurate information about the benefits of art on the body and mind

· Provide hands on materials for attendees to interact with and learn from

2020Anna SchrammSeptember 23, 2020art

Seeing Me: Experiences of the Next Generation

Young adult artists and writers from Toledo-area high schools share their experiences and perspectives on societal stigmas, stereotypes, and mental health. This art experience aims to highlight the individuality of the artists, celebrate their resiliency, and fuel connection across generations. This exhibit provides a space for attendees to explore and learn about the concepts of narrative, biases, traumas and struggles, relationships, and the use of art as a therapeutic process. Most importantly, this exhibit hopes that attendees will utilize the ability to see the individuals that are often hidden behind generational stereotypes.

Exhibit Objectives:

· Highlight the use of art as coping skill and therapeutic intervention

· Provide space for teens and young artists to share their stories and shape the narrative of their generation

· Celebrate resiliency

· Understand mental health, stereotypes, social stigma, and trauma from the perspective of young adults

2020Anna SchrammSeptember 23, 2020art

Seeing Me: Mental Health and Art Experience

This art experience provides attendees a space to learn from, connect with, and understand the stories of those who are living with mental illnesses. This exhibit aims to highlight the ways in which art can be a coping skill, form of expression, and/or a therapeutic intervention. The theme "Seeing Me" focuses on the need to value the individual, their resilience, their artistic process, and their talent – above their mental health struggles. Art is a form of language and expression, and through the art in this exhibit, it is the goal to create a space where the topic of mental health can be explored, but furthermore, that the individual’s abilities and experiences can be celebrated.

Exhibit Objectives:

· Highlight the use of art as a coping skill and therapeutic intervention for mental illnesses

· Express lived experiences of individuals living with mental illnesses

· Provide a safe space for exploration, conversation, and celebration of mental health

2020Anna SchrammSeptember 23, 2020art

Seeing Me: Thriver Art Experience

Young adult artists and writers from Toledo-area high schools share their experiences and perspectives on societal Sarah Demerath is a survivor of childhood trauma and sex trafficking. Throughout her life, Sarah has turned to art as an emotional outlet, coping mechanism, and as an avenue for self-expression and escape. Her life experience has led her to become a peer-to-peer counselor & case manager at Convergence Resource Center (CRC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and she has assisted the CRC in creating the first transitional housing center specifically for survivors of sex trafficking in the state of Wisconsin.

Sarah’s physical artwork is heavily entwined with her love for music, through which she finds a source of inspiration and motivation. Sarah hopes that by telling her story through art, she can inspire others to connect with their own resiliency, creativity, and self-worth.

Exhibit Objectives:

· Share a survivor’s life experience through art

· Inspire resiliency and highlight creativity

· Spread the message of art as therapy

2020Anna SchrammSeptember 23, 2020art