Keyana Marshall will be discussing her lived experience. Keyana survived domestic minor sex trafficking, the commercial sex industry, and the federal criminal justice system. Keyana was recruited and groomed into a life of prostitution at age 15. In 2009 when her trafficker was indicted, she was ready to celebrate her freedom. That was a short-lived experience because just six months later, Keyana was indicted on federal conspiracy charges alongside her abuser. She spent 2.5 years in prison and 3 years’ probation. Keyana is now a registered sex offender. In 2020, Keyana was charged with "failure to register as a sex offender". These charges occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and left Keyana sitting in federal detention for 11 months, only to be placed on 5 years of supervision upon her release. The federal system had knowledge of her being exploited and still gave her a criminal rap-sheet that would cripple her ability to become a productive member of society. Anchorage vice watched and inadvertently facilitated and heckled the exploitation. Keyana was put through the criminal justice system as a co-conspirator in her own exploitation. Keyana was criminalized alongside 2 pimps and the owner of the property where the mass exploitation occurred. All 3 of Keyana's co-defendants were over the age of 50, while Keyana was only 20 years old at the time. Now, Keyana is being stigmatized with a sex offender registry. During this presentation, attendees will hear the story of Keyana’s victimization during and after her trafficking experience. This is not the only case of victims being punished by the criminal justice system. There is no “perfect” victim, but it appears that the justice system has preferred criteria.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Discuss Keyana’s life experience as a victim of domestic minor sex trafficking

·  Describe the critical transitions in her life that led to her indictment

·  Provide lessons learned from her experience as a survivor with the criminal justice system

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As travel and internet usage have become more readily accessible to individuals across the globe, the sexual exploitation of children and youth—both online and in-person—has also become convenient for sexual predators in Thailand. The purpose of the current study was to understand the state of online commercial sexual exploitation of boys, young men, and trans/third gender youth in Thailand. Data was analyzed from a total of 94 people, all of whom were assigned male at birth (AMAB). Forty-six percent of respondents identified as Cisgender Males and 54% identified as Trans/Third Gender. Data was collected regarding a diverse range of life experiences including experiences of sex trade and exploitation on and offline, accessing support services, and experiences of abuse and violence. Findings revealed that among the current sample, the use of the internet for sexual exploitation and sex trade is widespread and pervasive. The current results also found that the internet is just one of many methods of engaging in the sex trade, with the majority of respondents noting participation in both in-person and online engagement with customers. Further, respondents noted that opportunities for employment, housing, and education are critical to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. Gender norms and expectations present unique vulnerabilities for cisgender males and trans/third gender people and often keep them from receiving adequate and supportive services. Overall, results revealed an urgent need for expansive online support services for victims. Implications and recommendations for policy makers, community members, clinicians, and other stakeholders will be discussed.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Present the current landscape of online sexual exploitation among respondents

·  Discuss gender differences in experiences of sexual exploitation, abuse, and sex trade

·  Discuss implications for policy makers, clinicians, community members, and other stakeholders

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To develop a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, case files (N = 1,264) from the Out of Darkness’s Safe Home program of Frontline Response in Atlanta, Georgia were analyzed. Key considerations included cycling, age of entry and exit, length of exploitation, number of arrests, educational achievement, experience and age of childhood sexual abuse, mental health diagnoses (specifically, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, neurodevelopmental disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia spectrum disorder), number of children, and placement outcomes. Regression analyses (e.g., linear, binomial, or zero-inflated Poisson) were conducted based on preliminary analyses of the means and distributions of the outcome variables. Results from the investigation will inform services, interventions, and policy and support survivors in their promising futures. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the lived experiences of survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, identify potential barriers to getting out and staying out of exploitation, and discuss the implications of the findings.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Develop a better understanding of the lived experiences of survivors of commercial sexual exploitation

·  Identify potential barriers to exiting commercial sexual exploitation

·  Consider practical implications that may serve to support survivors and promote promising outcomes

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Sex trafficking (ST) of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is scarcely written about in peer-reviewed literature (Reid, 2018). To fill substantial gaps in the literature, a pilot study exploring medical professionals’ perception of ST of individuals with IDD was conducted. The central question is how do medical professionals in emergency rooms view the intersection of ST and IDD? Sub-questions include: 1) What training have medical professionals received on ST and IDD, as independent concepts or together? 2) What experiences have medical professionals had treating victims/survivors of ST? and 3) What experiences have medical professionals had treating victims/survivors of ST with IDD? Emergency rooms are among the most common environments for identification of persons experiencing trafficking to occur (Tiller & Reynolds, 2020; Gibbons & Stoklosa, 2016; Egyud et al., 2016). Identification of trafficking status can result in immediate implementation of trauma-informed supports as well as linkages to services and resources. The study utilizes a hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative framework. As this is a pilot study, two medical professionals participated through semi-structured interview. This presentation will also include foundational information to highlight various sociocultural, interpersonal, and individual variables which may impact individuals with IDD and increase their risk of trafficking. Themes identified include severity of trafficking of individuals with IDD and barriers to identification. Themes will be discussed within the context of general recommendations for interacting with and supporting victims/survivors with IDD.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Provide an overview of the intersection of IDD and ST

·  Describe factors which contribute to trafficking of individuals with IDD

·  Provide overview of the pilot study, including main questions, methodology, findings, and future directions

·  Provide recommendations for interacting with and supporting survivors/victims of trafficking with IDD

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Children and young people voraciously consume technology and social media, expanding social connections and relationships far beyond previous generations. With such advances, it has been argued, young people are at greater risk of exposure to unwanted sexual material and advances via these media (Andrie, et al., 2021; Lebedíková et al.; Madigan, et al., 2018; Rice et al., 2015; Wolak, et al., 2006). Some youth appear to be particularly vulnerable to internet solicitation, placing them at significant risk of subsequent sexual victimization. This presentation explores the argument that disruptions in early attachment may be a key risk factor for vulnerability to internet solicitation and sexual exploitation and trafficking (e.g., Alexander, 2012; Mikulciner et al., 2010), which offenders often exploit (Lorenzo-Dus, et al., 2016; Lorenzo-Dus & Izura, 2017; McAlinden, 2006). The discussion highlights the importance of an understanding of attachment theory when considering youth’s vulnerability to online solicitation/exploitation and subsequent victimization drawing on a synthesis of research and theory from the fields of developmental psychology, attachment theory, victimology, and offender studies. Such a conceptualization could enhance practitioners’ abilities to recognize at-risk youth and understand the underlying dynamics and developmental factors that contribute to vulnerability. This understanding will in turn inform both the development of specific preventive interventions to mitigate risk and enhance self-protective capacity prior to victimization as well as informing assessment and treatment interventions for youth who present for evaluation or treatment after victimization.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Describe attachment theory and vulnerabilities developed through insecure attachment

·  Explore how attachment patterns may contribute to specific vulnerabilities to online grooming and solicitation

·  Discuss how such an orientation informs prevention and intervention regarding exploitation and abuse related to online platforms

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Statutes of Limitations (SOLs) are currently a significant obstacle that survivors of child sex abuse (CSA) and law enforcement face when trying to bring perpetrators to justice and prevent future crimes (Hamilton, 2012). Due to delayed disclosure, most victims do not come forward for decades during which time the SOLs have expired, and charges and convictions are precluded (O’Leary & Barber, 2008). However, due to pushback and lobbying from entrenched cultural organizations such as the Catholic Church, the SOLs have been intentionally kept short (Collin-Vézina et al., 2015). The presenter will argue that abolishing the SOLs for all CSA crimes is the best legal practice available to ensure victims have access to justice and perpetrators are prevented from reoffending. CHILD Global, in conjunction with the Brave Movement, has created a Global Task Force to address this issue by researching current SOLs and lobbying national governments to extend or abolish them completely. Through partnering with grassroots organizations and on-the-ground lobbying, members of the task force have successfully fought to abolish the SOLs in Chile. The Global Task Force combines research on the reasons for disclosure, organizations and laws that systematically intervene in prosecution, the rates of recidivism in aging perpetrators, and the economic costs to society. This presentation goes through the research on global SOLs and how they have blocked victims from pursuing justice and provides an overview of the legal best practice of the SOLs for CSA victims. Attendees will gain comprehensive knowledge of the current shortcomings of the law in this area that have created a child protection crisis, and the steps necessary to overcome it.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Provide an overview of the current global statutes of limitations trends for child sexual abuse crimes

·  Discuss the research and data that support abolishing SOLs for CSA

·  Explain the societal benefits of abolishing SOLs

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The 2022 Modern Slavery and Human Rights Centre (MS-PEC) report, “A review of current promising practices in the engagement of people with lived experience to address modern slavery and human trafficking,” found that while there is growing interest in survivor leadership, it is often implemented in ways that benefit the anti-trafficking sector while tokenizing survivors. Over the course of 2022, the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery partnered with the National Survivor Network to develop new frameworks for meaningful survivor engagement and inclusion in decision-making in the anti-trafficking sector. This toolkit was developed for the National Survivor Network’s use in their own organizations building on this foundation laid by the MS-PEC report with months of in-depth exercises and activities to formalize the framework. Currently, it is being used as part of ICF Incorporated’s human trafficking survivor engagement training and technical assistance to Office for Victims of Crime human trafficking grantees. This presentation will introduce attendees to the fundamental concepts of the framework. Attendees will learn why it is important to engage survivors intentionally, reciprocally, and thoughtfully at all levels of the Lived Experience Engagement Spectrum. The presenters will discuss the Lived Experience Inclusion Ladder, and why it is important to always strive to use the highest level of engagement possible on any given project or program. Finally, they will facilitate a group discussion about how to address common barriers to meaningful lived experience engagement. All attendees can download the full toolkit, which includes over 30 pages of assessments and instruments for evaluating and continually improving survivor engagement practices.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Discuss the five levels of the Lived Experience Engagement Spectrum

·  Outline the basic strategies for moving up the Ladder of Lived Experience Inclusion

·  Facilitate group discussion about overcoming common barriers to meaningful survivor engagement

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In February, 2023 two strong earthquakes struck southeast Turkey and northwest Syria. Over 3,000 aftershocks were reported. Thousands of people have lost their lives and tens of thousands were injured. Those who have survived faced extremely cold weather with big challenges in accessing shelter and food (UN, 2023). Natural disasters are distinctive and will have a diverse impact on different locations and nations depending on their infrastructure and capabilities. Many things could happen in the event of a natural disaster, but in general, the risk of trafficking rises. Traffickers frequently target persons who have been displaced and may try to take advantage of those who are receiving assistance or aid. Both residents in the damaged area and those trying to leave disaster regions can experience the effects of trafficking (International Organization for Migration, 2015). A disaster may require relocation, and any ensuing instability can raise a person’s risk of being trafficked (Bales, 2007). The main aim of this research study is to focus on this risky situation among earthquake victims who lost their housing, jobs, and loved ones and were severely injured, potentially leading to human trafficking, and to discuss the victim protection policies in emergency response. The methodology of the study includes a literature review and in-depth semi-structured interviews with snowball sampling method by qualitative research. The study is currently being conducted and the findings and implications will be discussed during the presentation.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Provide an overview of the research study, including main questions, methodology, and findings

·  Discuss the risky and vulnerable situations (e.g., human trafficking) disaster situations have on individuals and the victim protection policies in emergency response

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Through the lens of complex trauma and posttraumatic growth, this workshop will share findings from a qualitative study focused on the impact and experiences of sex trafficking survivors (Padgett, 2017). Through rich data from interviews and photovoice captioned images, workshop participants will hear and see direct evidence of the aspects of complex trauma as well as the capacity for posttraumatic growth (Tedeschi & Calhoun 2004, 2006; Spinazzola et al, 2001; Choi et al., 2009). Participants will listen to the voices and impact of sex trafficking through photography taken by survivors and practice having our listening inform our response. Finally, workshop participants will receive recommendations directly from the voices of survivors on what factors help or hinder community reintegration and posttraumatic growth (Evans, 2022). Key findings that will be explored include avoiding re-traumatization and re-exploitation and the integral role of relationship in the reintegration process for survivors.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Explain complex trauma and posttraumatic growth and how they is observed in victims of domestic sex trafficking

·  Provide recommendations for post-trafficking community reintegration that come directly from survivors of sex trafficking

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