Sex Trafficking in Ontario, Canada: Listening to Critical Voices
Rhonelle Bruder, MSc, Hons BSc | September 22 | 1:45-2:45 pm
Topic: Research, Healthcare | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Healthcare providers and survivors of sex trafficking play a critical role in improving healthcare responses to domestic sex trafficking. Yet, little is known in a Canadian context from either perspective regarding the identification, intervention, and recovery needs of sex-trafficked persons (Hodgins, 2022; Robinson, 2023). Learning from the experiences of healthcare providers and survivors could provide important, necessary information to inform improvement in the recognition, intervention, and treatment of sex-trafficked persons. This presentation will provide an in-depth overview of three distinct but related studies, part of an innovative research program on sex trafficking using critical social theory and intersectionality. In study one, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 31 healthcare providers representing diverse professional groups (nurses, physicians, social workers) to examine their knowledge about, attitudes towards, and practices related to women who have been sex trafficked in Ontario, Canada. Findings from this study are currently being analyzed and will form the basis for exploring the lived experiences of women who have been sex trafficked in Ontario, Canada, in study two. This study will use purposive and snowball sampling to recruit approximately 15 previously sex-trafficked women or until data saturation is achieved (Brinkmann, 2014; Guest et al., 2006). This study will focus on better understanding the individual, structural, and systemic factors associated with women’s recruitment, retention, and experiences accessing and using healthcare services. Lastly, study three will provide recommendations and guidelines to improve healthcare responses to trafficking based on the findings from both the healthcare providers’ and survivors’ studies.
Presentation Objectives:
· Provide an overview of domestic sex trafficking in Canada
· Discuss intersectional theory as a framework for better understanding the diverse experiences of healthcare providers and survivors of sex trafficking
· Discuss a community-engaged approach to conducting this research
· Present preliminary findings of the research