Posts in 2022
A Standardized Data Collection Protocol for Human Trafficking Service Providers

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

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Sex Trafficking Survivor Perspectives on Healthcare Needs and Barriers to Care

Healthcare providers report little confidence in their ability to identify and respond appropriately to the needs of individuals impacted by sex trafficking (ST) (Beck et al., 2015). Several national healthcare associations recommend training and institutional guidelines to improve institutional responses, but more research is needed to understand survivors’ perspectives on their health care needs and barriers to accessing quality care (Armstrong & Greenbaum, 2019). Focus groups of women currently and formerly impacted by ST were conducted to better understand their health care experiences and how health care delivery and systems could be improved. Adult women were recruited with the support of six community service agencies that serve victims and survivors of ST. A total of 27 women participated in 5 focus groups. Thematic analysis was employed to describe data from transcripts within and across focus groups. Focus group participants provided a rich discussion of barriers to health care during and after victimization by traffickers and actions healthcare organizations could take to improve access to quality care and identification of patients impacted by ST. Themes underscored the need for comprehensive and collocated services that address the changing needs of survivors across the lifespan, important elements of provider education and training to promote identification and engagement of patients at risk for ST, and initiatives to promote patient physical and emotional safety during health care visits. The presentation will highlight relevant literature outlining policies and best practices to address the barriers to health care identified in focus groups.

Presentation Objectives:

· Provide an overview of the study, including objectives, methodology, and results

· Describe the implications of survivors’ perspectives to healthcare policy and practice

· Discuss key action areas and specific improvements healthcare providers and organizations can take

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Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse, Exploitation, and Trafficking of Boys

Boys subject to intrafamilial child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) through trafficking face many barriers in disclosing their exploitation, often leaving victims and survivors dismissed or mishandled by service providers and society (Palfy, 2016; Smiragina, 2015). This study explores the vulnerabilities of male victims of intrafamilial CSEA, the unique characteristics of intrafamilial abuse, exploitation through trafficking, and the barriers to disclosure and recover by victims and survivors. Ten adult male survivors were interviewed multiple times to gain a deeper understanding of intrafamilial CSEA and how it compares and contrasts with non-familial CSEA. Multiple semi-structured online interviews were conducted with the 10 adult male survivors because they experienced 1) intrafamilial child sexual abuse and 2) the progression of intrafamilial child sexual abuse into intrafamilial child trafficking for sexual exploitation. The research team (Ena Lucia Mariaca, Andres Buenaventura, and Dr. Glenn Miles) explored the internal and external barriers to disclosure that boys encountered, particularly in familial settings, and employed a co-productive approach with the participants. Findings underscore the importance of trauma-informed practices for identifying and rehabilitating victims and survivors. Participants reported receiving effective assistance from service providers (law enforcement, medical, and mental health professionals) that exhibited trauma-informed practices. Recommendations include the need for service providers to receive training on 1) trauma-informed, person-centered practices and 2) how to avoid being influenced by traditional gender biases that largely overlook male victimization and female criminality in child sexual abuse and trafficking.

Presentation Objectives:

· Give an overview of research conducted on male survivors of familial trafficking

· Provide a deeper understanding of the male experience in child sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking done by family members

· Offer recommendations for frontline service providers who may come in contact with a male victim or survivor of child sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking

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An Occupational Justice Perspective in the Fight Against Human Trafficking: Lessons Learned from Research and Advocacy

Occupational therapy can contribute to recovery from exploitation through occupation-based approaches to recovery that promote health and wellbeing (George, 2019; World Federation of Occupational Therapists, 2010), with participation in activities of everyday life being the main goal. In this emerging area of practice, occupational therapists’ roles include the remediation of physical functions, modifications of activities, the facilitation of participation, and managing contextual factors (Cerny, 2016; Gorman & Hatkevich, 2016; Layton, 2014; Thompson, 2017; Trimboli et al., 2019), as survivors of exploitation reclaim their rights of meaningful occupation, health, and wellbeing. In addition, there is emerging dialogue regarding the occupational injustices of exploitation, which include experiences of marginalization, imbalance, deprivation, and alienation where people who are trafficked are over occupied with activities that are exploitative or lack meaning and purpose, or when people are prevented from engagement in meaningful activity (George & Stanley, 2018). In this presentation, the findings of 3 studies are discussed. The first explores the challenges facing service providers in Australia working with survivors of trafficking (George et al., 2018). The second highlights the occupational injustices of human trafficking using international case studies (George & Stanley, 2018). The third highlights the gap in evidence for occupational therapy in recovery and calls for global collaboration between clinicians and researchers (George & Stanhope, 2020). Finally, a reflection on the importance of advocacy shows how the criminal justice system can respond fairly to the needs of survivors.

Presentation Objectives:

· Highlight the occupational injustices of human trafficking

· Explore the role of occupational therapy in the recovery from exploitation

· Promote the importance of advocacy in the fight against human trafficking

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The Perspectives of Commercially Sexually Exploited Youth on Help-Seeking and Help-Related Experiences

Commercial sexual exploitation of youth (CSEY) is being increasingly framed as a severe social problem. Many agree that understanding CSEY perspectives on help-related experiences is essential for improving the help offered to them (Hampton & Lieggi, 2020). Yet, the literature on helping CSEY is based mostly on professionals' perspective (Lefevre et al., 2019). This presentation will bring the perspectives of CSEY on help-seeking and help-related experiences to the fore. Findings of an interpretive qualitative meta-synthesis (QMS) of a corpus of 34 studies will be presented. Using the conceptual framework of help-seeking, the QMS yields novel insights into CSEY's perceptions of their involvement in commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), and how they define their problems, decide to seek help, and engage in the proper help. Particularly, the QMS underscores that CSEY don’t always perceive their involvement in CSE as problematic, nor identify themselves as victims of exploitation. The findings highlight the significance of developing social services that specialize in helping CSEY and involve CSEY in decisions about the support they are provided. Secondly, findings of a qualitative-constructivist study about CSEY's help-related experiences within key relationships will be presented. The findings are based on a naturalistic analysis of qualitative interviews with 20 CSEY. They reveal the multiple challenges encountered by CSEY when seeking and receiving help, and their perception of relationships primarily as a sphere of harm and abuse. Nonetheless, participants described "good, beneficial help" as taking place mainly within meaningful relationships (with family, friends and help providers). The study underscores the importance of meaningful relationships in the context of help-seeking.

Presentation Objectives:

· Familiarize the audience with the literature on help-seeking processes of CSEY

· Share research findings on the meaning of relationships in help-seeking processes of CSEY

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Clinical Implications for Work with Transgender Survivors of Human Trafficking

Survivors of human trafficking benefit from specific clinical interventions based on trauma and survival of the experiences while enslaved. Clinical work with the subpopulation of transgender survivors includes implications specific to their needs. In this session, presenters will explore the needs and best practices of providing clinical services to transgender survivors of human trafficking and will define and discuss the relevant clinical concepts within the population of transgender sex workers and survivors of human trafficking. Based on research identified thorough the presentation and current gaps in research, clinical interventions specific to the population are few and need further development and review to include a more evidence-based clinical foundation (Abad, et.al, 2015; Baumann, et.al, 2019; Change, et al, 2019; Gama, et al, 2018; Mo, et.al, 2018; Nadal, et al, 2014; Ocha & Earth, 2013; Sawicki, et al, 2019; She, 2020). This information highlights the need for increased cultural competencies and training available to counselors working with the subpopulation.

Presentation Objectives:

· Define transgender and non-conforming identities of survivors of human trafficking

· Discuss self-reported experiences of transgender survivors

· Explore needs and best practices specific to the population

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Social Enterprise: Creating Economic Opportunities for Survivors of Sex Trafficking

Social enterprises are hybrid organizations integrating principles of private enterprise with social sector goals to create income-generating and skills development opportunities for “hard-to-employ” populations (Berzin, 2012; Dees, 1998; Garrow, 2015). This session presents results of a multimethod study examining employment/ work integration social enterprise (EWISE) as a promising model for labor market (re)integration of women-survivors of sex trafficking, who consistently face a lack of long-term economic opportunities (Timoshkina, 2019). The research questions included: What are the primary characteristics of EWISEs? What EWISE models are suitable for labor market (re)integration of sex trafficking survivors? The study encompassed a review of 21 websites of social enterprises for human trafficking survivors, a systematic review of literature on EWISEs, and case studies of two social enterprises for marginalized women – Inspirations Studio (pottery) and Spun Studio (textile) operated by Sistering, a women’s agency in Toronto, Canada. The systematic literature review included empirical studies whose findings were reported in peer-referred articles (12) and research reports (5); they examined EWISEs in Canada, the U.S., Australia, the UK, and Ireland. The sources of data for the case studies included: (a) organizational documents, media reports and videos; (b) a survey of 15 Inspirations Studio members; (c) in-depth qualitative interviews with 9 Sistering staff members and 12 social enterprise members; and (d) prolonged field observations. The presentation will provide an overview of the existing social enterprises for sex trafficking survivors, discuss the primary characteristics of EWISEs, and offer practical recommendations for developing a range of employment programming for women exiting sex trafficking.

Presentation Objectives:

· Provide an overview of the research findings

· Discuss the practical implications and recommendations based on the research

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The Survivors Journey

When victims of child abuse, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, or sex trafficking are identified, we know trauma has occurred and internal recovery work from trauma is needed. However, few professionals know how to effectively respond. This workshop will focus on providing information on trauma, triggers, trauma-informed care, and trauma-focused care to help clients heal. Participants will learn the twelve internal and external journeys clients should travel that moves them from victim to survivor to thriver.

Presentation Objectives:

· Provide participants with information on trauma and the effects of trauma

· Discuss the importance of trauma-informed work

· Discuss trauma-focused work and the difference between informed and focused work

Describe the components needed to move victims to survivors to thrivers

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Field Action Program: Bringing the Invisible Children of Darkness to Light

Irulars, meaning children of darkness (Thurston, E., 1909), are among the most vulnerable indigenous communities of India (Ganesh, 2021). Their vulnerability stems from their innocence, low literacy levels, and livelihood options (Solomon, 2018). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (2015) mandates the Right to Life, Survival, Development, and Participation. But in reality, Irulars are far from it. During the 2015 Chennai Floods, Irulars were one of the most affected, yet systematically excluded, communities. The Department of Social Work (Aided), Madras Christian College, India identified this injustice. Here began the Field Action Program (FAP), a departmental initiative to provide the Irulars with the knowledge, skills, and resources to claim their own civil and human rights (Self Advocacy). The FAP team, so far, has built houses and installed solar lamps and potable water tanks through multi-stakeholder collaborations. Irulars have historically been deprived of basic identity proofs and governmental provisions. Identifying this gap, FAP team liaisons, along with the government, provided Irulars with Aadhar Cards (community certificates). Community empowerment is a major agenda of FAP. Livelihood training and skill development programs have therefore been conducted. The road ahead for the Irulars is very wide. There is a need to build indigenous community leaders to sustain the rights-based activities and build a community participatory model of social development.

Presentation Objectives:

· Discuss the current state of indigenous communities in South India with special reference to the Irular community

· Describe the Field Action Program (FAP)

· Enumerate the various programs conducted by the FAP for the benefit of the Irular community

· Explain the steps needed to make the Irular community empowered and self-reliant

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Human Trafficking, Corporations, and Remedies for Survivors: Holding Hotels Accountable for Profiting from Sex Trafficking

A string of revolutionary civil lawsuits has grown under the 2008 Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), which gives human trafficking survivors the ability to recover damages from corporations that have profited from turning a blind eye to trafficking. Babin Law filed the first lawsuit under the TVPRA against hotels. They believe the TVPRA is not only a promising tool for survivors to seek justice, but also establishes a duty for corporations to adopt stricter policies to identify and prevent trafficking within their operations. This presentation will provide an overview of the TVPRA and different cases brought against corporations. Sex trafficking survivors filed lawsuits against hotels as well as technology companies such as Backpage, Pornhub, Twitter, and others. Labor trafficking survivors have also sued companies for profiting from forced labor, such as Nestle, Mars, and Hershey who source chocolate made from child labor in the Ivory Coast. After explaining the evolution of TVPRA lawsuits against corporations, the presenter will delve deeper into the cases against hotels. The hotel industry has turned a blind eye to the obvious signs of human trafficking and continued to profit by renting rooms to traffickers. These lawsuits show the need for industry-wide change in hotel policies and procedures, like mandatory training and security protocols, to protect survivors of trafficking. Finally, these cases have a positive impact on survivors by providing a new tool to recover damages from their trafficking and a way for their story to be heard.

Presentation Objectives:

· Provide an overview and history of holding corporations accountable for profiting from trafficking under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA)

· Discuss different types of TVPRA cases currently filed against corporations in sex and labor trafficking contexts

· Dive into the claims Babin Law is bringing against hotels

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Modern Slavery, Forced Labor, and the Private Sector Response

Every four seconds, another person enters a human trafficking situation somewhere in the world. It is estimated that there are over 40 million people in modern-day slavery today, more than any other time in history. To make sense of this important issue and its relevance to today’s business community, Matt Friedman will offer a comprehensive update on this topic. His talk will explore the following: the changing human trafficking paradigm; the relationship between human trafficking and modern slavery; a comprehensive summary of global trends and patterns; an update on emerging legislation; a detailed description of the relationship between human trafficking and business risk; and a description of tangible, practical tools and approaches used by corporations throughout the world to help identify and address this potential problem. Attendees will walk away with a detailed understanding of the importance of private sector involvement in addressing the issue of modern slavery.

Presentation Objectives:

· Describe the relationship between modern slavery and supply chains

· Describe emerging trends related to this topic

· Describe what the private sector is doing in response to these trends

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Trauma-Informed Approaches to Human Trafficking, Intimate Partner Violence, and Sexual Assault Within the Department of Veteran Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) recognizes that human trafficking is a public safety concern. In 2020, the VA National Social Work Program Office, Care Management and Social Work, launched a national human trafficking initiative to better understand the impact of human trafficking within the veteran community. As the largest healthcare system in the nation, the VHA identifies health services as one of the most common points of access to care for victims. There is a nationwide myth that human trafficking does not occur among the United States Veteran population. However, our findings indicate veterans may be at an even greater risk of being trafficked than the general population due to an associated high prevalence of known risk factors such as homelessness, substance use, suicidality, history of witnessing violence, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and the lack of other social determinants of health (Papke et al., 2022). Healthcare providers often lack knowledge about trafficking or have preconceived notions of how an individual who has experienced trafficking will behave and look. This presentation will focus on trauma-informed care approaches and how they guide clinical practice with veterans who have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Subject matter experts on veteran intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and trauma-informed care will share the model created for best practices through case studies. Participants will also be provided with resources for veterans.

Presentation Objectives:

· Discuss the correlation between intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking

· Describe human trafficking red flags specific to veterans globally

· Discuss veteran-specific strategies for applying trauma-informed care approaches related to intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking

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Rebellion as a Lifeline: The Story of a Ritual Abuse Survivor

Anneke Lucas is a survivor of ritual abuse, mind control, and child sex slavery to the global elite. Now, she is an author and public speaker, leads workshops, and counsels with other survivors. At age six, Anneke was sold by her mother into an international pedophile ring involving world leaders. Like many victims, she was used in a well-oiled system of power where children were used for favors or blackmail. At age nine, she received mind control training to be a sex slave to the global elite and was promised a future of fame and fortune. However, there was a price to pay, and she knew she could not go along, even if it would cost her life. She refused, and though her life was spared, she was severely punished. At age 11, she was dramatically rescued from the ring by an insider, who gave her directions for her survival. Through her experiences at the seat of worldly power, through her long, ongoing healing process, and through service, Anneke developed intricate awareness of power, both on the global and personal level. The choice she made at age nine saved her integrity, and that act of rebellion was the thread that eventually led her back to her healed self. Every choice has an impact and a ripple effect and supports either truth and integrity or the toxic power system.

Presentation Objectives:

· Describe the experiences of a mind-controlled child sex slave

· Discuss the critical choice to forego power and riches for the sake of integrity

· Explain the need for integrity in a volatile world in order to fight a dark power system

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Foster Care and Human Trafficking

Youth in the foster care system are disproportionately susceptible to human trafficking, but there are steps able to be taken to prevent their exploitation if we understand why they are more vulnerable (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2017 & Middleton, J., Edwards, E., Cole, J., Ayala, R., & Dobson, V., 2020). In this session, the Empty Frames Initiative team will discuss data that illustrates how youth involved in the foster care system are more susceptible to human trafficking, delve into the situations driving the data, and discuss what can be done to prevent exploitation. Data from multiple sources on the connection of human trafficking to foster care will be reviewed, specifically data from the Polaris Project, Kentucky's Department for Community Based Services, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Youth. Individual situations leading to the exploitation of this population will be discussed, all of the situations mirroring the national issues, but amplified because of foster youth’s lack of connections. An example of this heightened vulnerability would be the common narrative of a disconnected youth looking for companionship, but amplified vulnerability because of a lack of supervision OR where an exploited individual does not see themselves as a victim, but amplified vulnerability because the state does not identify them as a trafficking survivor with the knowledge that trafficking was happening in the home. There will be additional conversation focused on preventing exploitation by ensuring that youth are receiving trauma informed counseling while in care and are connected to foster care specific resources before transitioning out of care. This presentation looks to equip the anti-trafficking community to advocate for and protect youth in and leaving foster care.

Presentation Objectives:

· Discuss the data available about foster care and human trafficking

· Describe the common backgrounds and shared experiences of youth in foster care

· Provide resources to take further preventative action

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The Future of the Australian Corporate Response to the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth)

The Australian Government mandate to address the risk of modern slavery and human trafficking in the supply of goods and services to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (“the Act”) has revealed a spectrum of corporate responses. In 2021-22, Unchained Solutions, in partnership with Macquarie University, conducted research to understand the extent to which Australian entities were effectively reporting on actions taken to assess, address, and monitor the risk of modern slavery to people employed in their supply chains and operations. Stage one comprised deskwork analysis of 150 modern slavery statements registered with the Australian Border Force, utilizing the Unchained comprehensive compliance checklist based on the Government Guidelines for Reporting Entities (Home Affairs, 2019), and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (United Nations, 2011). Stage two comprised interviewing fifteen corporate entity representatives who were instrumental in steering their organisation’s response to Act. The research also drew upon insights from current academic papers and industry studies. Findings focus on four main areas: 1) key external stakeholder engagement; 2) the extent of investigation beyond direct suppliers; 3) the process for measuring effectiveness; and 4) the consultation process. Results indicate that most entities have limited their compliance activities to desk work processes, lack an effective strategy to collaborate and incentivize direct suppliers to conduct due diligence, lack a clear understanding of risk with indirect suppliers, and have not articulated a framework for measuring effectiveness. This presentation concludes with recommendations for further research and clear indicators for continuous improvement.

Presentation Objectives:

· Articulate the main tenets of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth)

· Provide an overview of the study conducted in two stages, including main questions, methodology

· Present the key findings from the four main areas of investigation

· Articulate what future steps reporting entities could take for continuing improvement

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“You Come Up from the Ashes, and You’re Like a Phoenix”: Survivors of Sex Trafficking Define Resilience

The study of resilience has largely relied on definitions and conceptualizations of resilience created by academia, with little knowledge produced being grounded in the experience and perspectives of marginalized and stressed populations (Knight et al., 2021; Mendenhall & Kim, 2019). As the voices of these groups are rarely integrated into sanctioned institutional discourses of knowledge, inequality is easily reproduced (Cruz, 2008). Specifically, there has been little exploration of how survivors of sex trafficking define and conceptualize resilience, risking the development of theoretical perspectives and practice recommendations on resilience that are oppressive, demeaning, irrelevant, or harmful to survivors. Sixteen survivors were thus recruited to answer the research question, “What does ‘resilience’ mean to you?” via interviews. Thematic analysis resulted in five themes: resilience as (1) resistance, (2) transition, (3) a sustained force over time, (4) transformation, and (5) resources. Participants primarily defined resilience as the output of their inherent and enduring power to survive and to shape their lives in preferred ways despite adversity. Academic literature emphasizes that resilience results from dynamic interactions between individual traits and external resources (e.g., Pangello et al., 205; Ungar, 2019). Participants emphasized that while resilience is promoted by external resources and opportunities, it is existent even in their absence. Findings suggest that for resilience inquiry and praxis to resonate with survivors, it must first acknowledge the inherent power of survivors already demonstrated by their survival and that resilience-enhancing programs should be aimed at supporting survivors’ native resilience and providing opportunities for that resilience to be manifested in new and preferred ways, rather than aiming at helping them to “become” resilient.

Presentation Objectives:

· Describe the study and highlight the importance of survivor knowledge being integrated into the intellectual grounding of the field

· Describe survivors’ conceptualizations and definitions of resilience and compare these with academic conceptualizations and definitions of resilience

· Discuss implications and recommendations for resilience-enhancing research and praxis

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I Want You to See Me: The Healing Power of Telling Your Story

Stories matters. Voices matters. Experiences matters. Autonomy matters. In a time where our stories and our voices can be so quickly shared, widely accessed, and just as easily distorted, the I Want You to See Me Project, is a platform for individuals who have been oppressed, marginalized, or exploited and gives them the reigns on how they want to be seen, heard, understood, and supported. The I Want You to See Me Project (“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 altered and amplifies the voices of those who have been silenced by society or among their community. This presentation highlights the results collected and lessons learned from implementing the “See Me” Project with various populations. By exploring the intersection of theatre and therapy, this presentation shares tools on how to create spaces to amplify the voices of others, instead of telling the stories of others. Audience members will learn the personal and societal barriers that prevent us from truly seeing one another, while also exploring the concept of storytelling through a digital era and will obtain a deeper level of understanding and connection across communities and populations. Participants will walk away with a greater understanding of how to support clients, friends, peers, and strangers through the process of claiming their stories.

Presentation Objectives:

· Provide education on the concepts of Narrative Therapy, therapeutic storytelling, and the intersection of theatre and healing

· Describe how to support clients in finding autonomy, authenticity, and purpose through the act of telling their story

· Explore the ways in which increased digital connection has impacted storytelling in the global community

· Explain the concepts, principles, and outcomes of the “See Me” Project(s)

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Trauma-Informed Care for Survivors with Disabilities

Trauma impacts a disproportionate number of people with disabilities (Harrell, E., 2021). While many mental health practices provide trauma care as a specialty, many mental health professionals feel unprepared to treat individuals with disabilities who have experienced trauma. This session will provide training on general issues related to disability, as well as specific information on adapting interventions, to increase both competence and confidence for mental health support to individuals with disabilities. Participants will also learn about the “medical model” vs. the “social model” of disability and the impact that they have on the ability of individuals with disability to access appropriate trauma intervention. Dual diagnosis (disability plus a mental health diagnosis) will be discussed as an important consideration in developing treatment plans. The presenter will review trauma basics and discuss their application to individuals with disabilities and the impact of trauma in the lives of individuals with disability. She will also discuss risk factors that contribute to high incidence of trauma in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Participants will learn about communication differences, as well as challenges in perspective taking (Theory of Mind), that can influence the mental health professional’s choice of intervention approach, especially in work with clients with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Finally, the presenter will discuss specific tools and strategies that can be used in conjunction with evidence-based trauma interventions to support clients with disabilities in their trauma processing.

Presentation Objectives:

· Describe trauma-informed care for survivors with disabilities

· Discuss the current gaps in mental health services for survivors with disabilities

· Describe resources that victims/survivors with disabilities have and why more mental health specialists needs to be trained specifically to serve this population

· Explain the best practices when providing services to adult victims with disabilities

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Prevalence and Individual Risk Factors of Homeless Young Adults Who Report Sex Trafficking Victimization

How to best assist LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness and reporting sex trafficking victimization is a developing field of knowledge. This study aimed to understand sex trafficking risk factors for LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness through the 2019 Youth Experiences Survey (2019 YES) and 16 follow-up interviews. The main findings include a) the odds of being LGBTQ+ and experiencing homelessness and reporting sex trafficking victimization were 2.41 times greater (95% CI: 1.22, 4.74) than being a cisgender heterosexual experiencing homelessness and reporting sex trafficking victimization; and b) risk factors that contributed significantly to a binary logistic regression model to predict being an LGBTQ+ young adult experiencing homelessness and reporting sex trafficking victimization included having a current medical issue, having a history of dating violence, having a childhood history of sexual abuse (ACEs sexual abuse), having a history of binging/vomiting, and having a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The interviews back up quantitative data for contextualization purposes. The findings of this study confirm the need for more services for LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness and reporting sex trafficking victimization.

Presentation Objectives:

· Explore the particular vulnerability of LGBTQ+ young adults and the ways in which traffickers seek to exploit these vulnerabilities in order to compel young adults into commercial sex

· Discuss implications for service providers and researchers

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Case Scenarios on Equitable Access to Healthcare for Survivors of Human Trafficking

The presenters of this session will discuss the importance of taking a collaborative approach to ensuring survivors of human trafficking have equitable access to healthcare. The session will highlight some of the situations that clinicians face that can be addressed when healthcare works with other disciplines to meet the survivors needs. These situations may range from having access to specialized clinicians able to provide specialized care to addressing language and communication barriers that may exist for the survivor. The presenters will highlight the importance of strong collaborative relationships between community and healthcare respondents in the process of advocating on behalf of the medical needs of the survivor and ensuring that healthcare is delivered in an equitable manner. The presenters will define a medical forensic examination and discuss the benefits of incorporating healthcare in the response to human trafficking. The session will reinforce the need for equitable access to healthcare by use of case studies that will identify complexities that can present challenges that require additional resources across all disciplines involved in providing a response. Identifying and addressing gaps in providing equitable services to such an already vulnerable population promotes a better experience for both the survivor and those providing the services. At the completion of the session, attendees will be able to recognize the role of healthcare and ways to work with healthcare to overcome existing barriers for survivors of human trafficking.

Presentation Objectives:

· Discus the importance of a collaborative approach to equitable access to healthcare for human trafficking survivors

· Explore the benefits of a medical forensic examination for survivors

· Identify and address challenges associated with providing an equitable access to healthcare for survivors

· Explore techniques to incorporate strategies for relationship building with community partners responding to human trafficking

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