Survivors United 2020: A Virtual Survivor-Led Response to Early COVID-19 Restrictions
Shamin Brown, BSW, RSW | September 22 | 3:15-4:15 PM
Topic: Programming, Experience | Knowledge Level: Advanced
Due to COVID-19, programs for survivors of prostitution were shut down, increasing the risks of violence, poverty, and isolation that they already face (Noble et al., 2020; Tracia’s Trust Strategy to Prevent Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking, Manitoba Government, 2019). Getting Out: A National Framework for Escaping Human Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation in Canada, asserts that, “Communities can provide natural supports and fulfill a fundamental psychosocial need (Noble et al., 2020, p.69)” for survivors. Recognizing this need, Survivors United envisioned a peer-led, peer-operated, and ally-supported network of survivors in which peers could support each other as a community. Survivors United was designed to reduce isolation and facilitate peer support in response to COVID-19-related disruptions to health and social services. This initiative was facilitated by several Lived Experience Leaders of the Manitoba Tracia’s Trust Advisory Council of Knowledge Keepers through social media and a series of theme-based videoconferencing peer support groups. Program goals were peer support, capacity building, role modeling, mentorship, and bridging organizations to survivors to facilitate warm hand-offs and smooth transitions, and fostering availability and accessibility to survivor communities and supports. Based on member feedback, Survivors United succeeded in achieving many of its goals. Survivors United believes that, through the use and expansion of existing resources via strategic partnerships, this platform could provide an online hub of resources, professionals, and programming. This presentation will outline the program, its results, and supporting research as well as recommendations for its adaptation.
Presentation Objectives:
· Share an innovative peer-led response to COVID-19 lockdowns and disruptions to services
· Provide an overview of online peer support programming for survivors
· Demonstrate ways to increase the availability and accessibility of social services to marginalized groups through online services
· Discuss the importance of ally organizations in supporting peer-led initiatives