Gaps in Human Trafficking Research: Findings from an Expert Roundtable Discussion
Daniela Peterka-Benton, PhD & M. Elizabeth Bowman, PhD, LCSW-C, LICSW | September 22 | 1:45-2:45 pm
Topic: Conceptual, Research | Knowledge Level: Advanced
On June 8th, 2023, a roundtable of human trafficking researchers, organized collaboratively between Gallaudet University, Montclair State University, and The University of Toledo, convened to discuss the state of U.S. centric human trafficking research to date, as well as gaps and future directions in the research. While the body of human trafficking research is ever growing, researchers at academic institutions or research centers still mainly work without connections to field specific professional organizations that would allow a holistic look at the research conducted and identification of potential gaps. This roundtable event is the first of its kind to focus entirely on research by creating a space for highly interdisciplinary human trafficking researchers to meet and share their work and ideas about future research needs. A survey, distributed to all roundtable registrants, helped identify five of the most commonly noted gap areas, participants of the roundtable were able to discuss in separate breakout rooms. These five gap areas are: Special populations: LGBTQ+, male, disability, cultural considerations; Aftercare services and systems of care; Survivor-informed care, policy, and research (inclusion); Family-controlled trafficking; and Labor trafficking. This presentation will provide some background on gap areas in human trafficking research, summarize the findings of the guided roundtable discussions, and provide information for a planned special issue for the Journal of Human Trafficking addressing these gaps.
Presentation Objectives:
· Provide an overview of U.S. domestic human trafficking research and gaps
· Share recommendations on how to best address these issues going forward