Exploratory Spatial Analysis: Understanding the Geographic Risks and Preventive Efforts of Trafficking through the Educational Program of kNOw MORE! in San Diego, California
A. Carli Richie-Zavaleta, DrPH, MAIPS, MASP | September 22 | 1:45-2:45 pm
Topic: Research, Programming | Knowledge Level: Beginner
This research study sought to analyze geographically and statistically 1) the implementation of a youth educational prevention program, kNOw MORE! (kM!) that is located in San Diego County (SD); 2) identify high-risk areas for trafficking within SD; 3) provide an understanding of the SD regions that possess protective factors based on mental and social services; and 4) identify SD regions that represent higher percentages of students who desire to talk further about trafficking after seeing the presentation. kM! is a drama-based preventive program that seeks to increase awareness about HT and traffickers’ recruitment strategies to prevent victimization of youth in San Diego, California. This analysis is based on a five-year period (2016-2020). During this time, there were a total of 118 presentations throughout San Diego County, which included 40 of the 210 Zip Codes. These presentations reached a total of N= 11,586 participants, out of which n=7,987 were students, and n=3,599 adults. SD is divided into six regions; South and East regions had the highest number of kM! presentations and were also the most vulnerable for trafficking based on the risk-indicator. This risk indicator was created based on established trafficking vulnerability factors and publicly available data. Regarding protective factors, North Inland, North Central, Central, and South regions have the most mental services for trafficking survivors and other similar populations. Lastly, Central, East, and North Inland regions have the highest percentages of students wanting to speak with a counselor after participating in kM! These findings provide a general picture of the needs and protective factors for vulnerable groups in SD. Focusing resources where most needed could have a preventive impact on trafficking.
Presentation Objectives:
· Describe a spatial and descriptive analysis of the implementation of a trafficking prevention educational drama-based program in SD gear towards youth
· Present analysis on the regions of SD County that have the highest risk for trafficking based on publicly available data and established factors in the literature
· Demonstrate the regions with most protective factors vis-a-vis mental health and social services for human trafficking survivors and similar populations
· Provide awareness of the regional resources needed in high-risk areas of SD to prevent trafficking of youth