A Standardized Data Collection Protocol for Human Trafficking Service Providers
David J. Corliss, PhD | September 22 | 11:45 am-12:45 pm
Topic: Direct Service, Research | Knowledge Level: Beginner
One of the greatest challenges limiting the impact of human trafficking research is the availability of data collected in a consistent manner required to support analysis. While many organizations have information on the people they serve, they differ in what information is collected, how it is formatted, and the security procedures used to protect this highly sensitive information. This presentation provides a standardized process for collection and securing data on victims and survivors (e.g., Devers & Frankel, 2000; National Institutes of Health). Designed by expert data scientists specifically for human trafficking research, the process enables data to be shared with organizations, academic teams, and agencies engaged in human trafficking research. Adoption of this process supports collecting data safely, securely protecting identity, and empowering greater use of advanced analytics in human trafficking research. The presentation describes what data to collect, how to format it for maximum value to researchers, and best practices for data privacy, security, and ethical use. Attendees will gain an understanding of the process for collecting data that can be used in scientific studies, along with a detailed set of instructions for collecting, compiling, securing, and sharing data with other researchers.
Presentation Objectives:
· Present a scientific data protocol for standardized collection of human trafficking data in a manner that can be shared with researchers
· Provide a format for archiving the data and suggestions on spreadsheet software often used for this purpose
· Describe best practices for data privacy, security, and principles of ethical use of sensitive data
· Provide examples of research now in progress that will benefit from the use of a standard data process