Posts in 2023
POV: Can Do Without My Organ

“POV” is a term commonly used in media to mean “Point of View.” However, in this presentation, it will be used to address the concept of “abuse of a position of vulnerability” (APOV), recognized in the Palermo Protocol as a means of trafficking persons, with a specific focus on organ trafficking. Using a desk-based methodology and two case studies, 1) Ike Ekweramadu, a Nigerian Senator found guilty of organ trafficking in the UK on March 23, 2023 (R-v-Ekweramadu et al., 2023); and 2) a February 2, 2023 publication of lawmakers’ proposal to grant Massachusetts prisoners reduced sentences in exchange for organ donation (CBS News Boston, 2023), this presentation seeks to answer the question: “How does vulnerability equate consent for organs?” Both cases explore the concept of “consent” in relation to altruistic organ donation, and in light of arguments for voluntariness and freedom to donate and/or sell one’s organs. Numerous cases where consent was proven in human trafficking for the purpose of organ removal (HTPOR), reveals that the POVs of certain individuals were exploited. According to UNODC’s Guidance note on APOV, the existence of victim vulnerability, though important to prove trafficking, will be insufficient if no credible evidence to establish APOV exists. This presentation argues that such stance further reduces prosecution and investigation of HTPOR, as no one would make such drastic decision to donate an organ without less pressing conditions facing them.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Provide insightful information on consent, exploitation, and APOV in HTPOR

·  Explore the links between vulnerability and trafficking for organs

·  Address victim-donor protection laws in efforts to investigate and prosecute HTPOR

·  Provide recommendations to address APOV in investigation and prosecution of HTPOR

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From Victim of Trafficking to Survivor Advocate in Jordan and Kenya: Insights from 10 Years of Supporting Trafficked Persons

Mary Muroki left Kenya in 2002 to fend for her family. For many years, she was in modern slavery in South Africa and Jordan and lost contact with her family. She was reunited with them 20 years later. She has helped hundreds of victims of trafficking to return to their home countries. Mary Muroki rescued herself twice from trafficking situations, but having no documents and no contact to her family, she stayed in Jordan after her escape. After recovery, she started helping trafficked Kenyans and other Africans in Jordan. Beginning on her own initiative in a foreign country, she built a network with religious persons, international expats, Jordan authorities, and NGOs. She became a beacon of hope for victims in Jordan who called her “Mother Mary”. In 2021, she returned to Kenya. After arrival, she was supported by HAART Kenya, an NGO offering holistic support to survivors of human trafficking. Later, she joined HAART as a Survivor Leader and is now also active in HAART prevention and awareness raising work. She is a renowned survivor advocate and a strong voice in the counter trafficking movement. Based on her own experience and uncountable interactions with persons who escaped trafficking, she explores what survivors need to thrive in their lives, and what helps survivors to take a lead in the action against human trafficking.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Identify what survivors need to thrive and be active against trafficking

·  Give recommendations to organizations for survivor inclusion

·  Encourage other survivors to join the movement

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Understanding the Prevalence and Context of Human Trafficking through Data Collaboration

Founded in 2017, #NotInMyCity is a non-profit organization in Calgary, Alberta, Canada mobilizing community and facilitating transformational systems change to disrupt and combat human trafficking. #NotInMyCity co-chairs the Provincial Human Trafficking Network bringing together government, police service, and social service organizations who are working to end human trafficking and support victims and survivors. In 2021, #NotInMyCity recognized an opportunity to improve the provincial understanding of the nature of human trafficking and embarked on a novel data sharing initiative on behalf of the Network. With a 2-year grant from the Community and Social Services Ministry of the Alberta Government, #NotInMyCity initiated the Alberta Human Trafficking Data Portal project. Using a multi-disciplinary, community-engaged research approach, the collaborative co-designed a data story that will be used to support education, training, and advocacy efforts. The project involved literature reviews, and qualitative research including stakeholder surveys and participant interviews with 19 organizations and 31 individuals. Participating organizations included law enforcement and community serving non-profit agencies. This presentation will include a walk-through of the data story and will describe the process of developing the data story, how the team overcame barriers, and the vision for the future of data collaboration. Presenters will explore culture and group dynamics, keeping victims and survivors at the center, taking an iterative-incremental approach, and human-centered technology design as key factors that enabled this initiative to be successful. Lessons learned from this initiative can help inspire and guide others who are seeking to improve the way that the human trafficking sector uses data to inform policy and practice.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Describe the challenges of data collaborations in the human trafficking sector

·  Describe a victim-centered and user-centered approach to design

·  Discuss lessons learned in developing a human trafficking data story

·  Share a roadmap for the future of using data to inform human trafficking policy and practice

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The Criminalization of Survivorship: The Keyana "Koko" Marshall Story

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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Online & Offline Sexual Exploitation of Boys, Young Men, and Trans/Third Gender Youth in Northern Thailand

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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Sex Trafficking Indicators and Predictors: An Analysis of 1,264 Case Files of Survivors of Commercial Sexual Exploitation in Atlanta

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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The Intersection of Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Sex Trafficking, and Medical Professionals in Emergency Rooms

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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Attachment and Vulnerability to Online Solicitation and Sexual Victimization in Adolescence

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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Access to Justice: Abolishing the Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse Crimes

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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Meaningful Engagement of People with Lived Experience: A Framework and Assessment

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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Human Trafficking Risk and Protection Policies in Emergency Disaster Situation: A Qualitative Research Study with the Earthquake Victims of Turkey

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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From the Voices of Domestic Sex Trafficking Survivors: Experiences of Complex Trauma and Posttraumatic Growth

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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The Impact of Complex Trauma on the Brain

Childhood stress dysregulates and disrupts neurobiological systems, which has a lasting impact throughout adulthood. Though the impact of a significant traumatic experience on the brain and body has been extensively researched, there is less known on the impact of multiple, prolonged traumatic experiences on the brain. This presentation summarizes the state of current findings that when compared to peers with no traumatic experiences, children exposed to complex trauma have structural changes in their brain. For example, with exposure to complex trauma, there is a decrease in white and gray matter in the prefrontal cortex (e.g., Hanson et al., 2012). This loss of gray matter may at least partially explain difficulties in executive functioning. Further, with exposure to complex trauma, there is an association between childhood stress and spatial working memory. Regardless of a diagnosis in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), children with exposure to complex trauma seem to have difficulty inhibiting competing, extraneous information in order to focus on a task at hand. There is also less activation in the middle frontal gyrus, which is involved in response inhibition, suggesting that these children’s brain activity is developmentally delayed (e.g., Bruce et al., 2013; Carrion et al., 2008). Importantly, however, there is compensation for decreased activity, such as in the anterior cingulate gyrus, with an increase in activation in the left inferior parietal lobule. This demonstration of brain plasticity serves as a reminder that even in the face of adverse conditions, there is a path towards healthy functioning. Attendees will learn to identify complex trauma symptoms through a neuropsychological lens and learn compensatory mechanisms specific to complex trauma.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Present findings that early stress disrupts structural aspects of neurological processes

·  Describe the functional ramifications of brain changes due to complex trauma (e.g., impairment of executive functioning)

·  Discuss compensatory mechanisms

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Parents as Perpetrators: Family-Facilitated Child Sex Trafficking in Unique Cultural Contexts

Most data on child sex trafficking, and family-facilitated child sex trafficking (FFCST) more specifically, comes from Western, developed nations, especially the U.S. (Sprang & Cole, 2018; Reid, Huard & Haskell, 2015). Although exceedingly valuable in providing a foundation of knowledge, these data provide a small window only into the many nuanced manifestations of FFCST globally. Diversity in culture, economics, politics, and resource availability and accessibility greatly impact family dynamics related to FFCST (Willis & Barry, 2006; Sprang & Cole, 2018). In this presentation, the presenter will describe three unique types of FFCST that have been identified in India—from her own research over the past 15 as well as the extant literature (Sabharwal & Sonalkar, 2015; Saggurti et al., 2011; Jha & Sharma, 2016). Similarities (e.g., structural vulnerabilities including caste membership and availability and access to resources) and subtle differences (e.g., in family dynamics, intergenerational transmission) across the variations will be highlighted as will implications for health and well-being of victims and their children. Comparisons with what is known about FFCST in the U.S. will be made and suggestions for continued research, practice and policy will be discussed—emphasizing how much of what is currently understood about FFCST, may not be generalizable to culturally unique populations. Culturally appropriate economic growth and anti-discriminatory (caste, gender) policies, with actionable field-based, ethical, and trauma informed strategies are paramount for change to occur.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Describe three unique types of FFCST identified in unique cultural contexts of India

·  Identify similarities and differences across the three types of FFCST as well as comparisons with what is currently understood in the literature about FFCST in the U.S. and other Western Countries

·  Suggest implications for psycho-social well-being for victims/survivors of each of the three types of FFCST

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Ritual Abuse, Sex Trafficking and Mind Control

This presentation will explain how ritual abuse, mind control, and different suggestive techniques work to control sex trafficking survivors (Karriker, 2008). The presenter will describe different historical examples of how mind control and ritual abuse have been used. Legal cases will also be discussed from various parts of the world (McGonigle, 1999; New York Times, 1988). Research studies, like the Extreme Abuse Survivors Survey, will be presented, as well as examples of different cults and their techniques (Hassan, 2018). Mental health diagnoses, like Dissociative Identity Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and their origins in sex trafficking survivors will be explained. The presenter will discuss his personal experiences of being in a cult as a child experiencing torture, sexual abuse, and mind control techniques. The forced development of these diagnoses and their symptoms will be connected to how they are used to control sex trafficking survivors. Ways to expose and prevent ritual abuse, mind control, and sex trafficking will be discussed. Finally, there will be a discussion of the future of advocacy efforts to stop ritual abuse, sex trafficking, and mind control.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Discuss techniques used to control sex trafficking survivors

·  Describe research studies that show how these techniques work

·  Explain how different mental health diagnoses symptoms are used to help sex trafficking survivors

·  Discuss ways people can educate others to help stop future occurrences of ritual abuse, sex trafficking, and mind control

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Expressive Arts and Trauma Healing: Three Interventions for Working with Survivors of Exploitation

Expressive arts includes a wide range of activities that largely utilize nonverbal methods to connect with feelings or thoughts of participants. As a therapeutic and educational intervention, expressive arts have been shown to be more accessible than many other methods for working with trauma survivors (Hopper et al., 2018). Survivor leaders and group facilitators, Kyla Woods, Liz Kimbel, and Dr. Beth, will present three techniques used in their practice with survivors of sex trafficking in the greater DC and Baltimore areas. Workshop participants will be guided through three creative arts activities using self-expression to develop self-awareness, cope with stress and trauma, and work on several social-emotional skills.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Describe three expressive arts interventions that can be used in clinical or skills/education focused group practice

·  Present intervention techniques which can help improve psychosocial skills for survivors of exploitation

·  Discuss how to evaluate effectiveness of expressive arts approaches to intervention

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The Counter-Trafficking Data Collaborative: An International Data Resource for Anti-Trafficking Research

In 2018, the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) established the Counter Trafficking Data Collaborative (CTDC) as a global data resource on trafficking data. The centerpiece of the Collaborative’s work is a public, open source, global database of trafficking reports. With almost 200,000 records as of March, 2023, the database includes many important features including country of victim’s citizenship as well as where exploitation occurred, detailed information on the type of exploitation including type of work performed and means of control, and demographic data including records on transgender persons. The database is fully anonymous and developed with careful attention to ethical best practices in data collection. This presentation provides a background on the Collaborative and the database, its contents and applications, and examples of research. As an example, human trafficking trends in Eastern Europe are explored, which have shifted to focus on Ukraine in recent years. These and many other studies are made possible by the CTDC’s extensive resources. In this presentation, attendees will get an understanding of the Counter Trafficking Data Collaborative, the resources it offers, and how to use the data to support, guide, and direct their own work in international anti-trafficking.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Provide an overview of the UN's IOM, the Counter Trafficking Data Collaborative, and how to participate in their work

·  Describe the CTDC's data resource, its contents and format, and how to access it

·  Provide examples of research and the development of public-facing materials such as maps and data using the database

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The U.S. Response to Labor Trafficking: Where We Stand

While human trafficking has been outlawed since 2000, labor trafficking is an area that has not been adequately researched. The actual severity of the problem is unknown as there is no national database for labor trafficking instances. This exploratory research examines the current state of labor trafficking by analyzing current legislation and labor trafficking victims questioning if the United States responds to labor trafficking law. It utilizes Polaris’s twenty-five identified trafficking typologies to evaluate current policy. Through a literature review, current labor trafficking research was examined to find literature gaps. This research found that state governments focus on sex trafficking over labor trafficking, many Americans believe labor trafficking is not a significant concern, and law enforcement does not investigate labor exploitation. In addition, this lack of investigation also contributes to an absence of data. Finally, this research provides recommendations to protect trafficked labor victims by updating legislation through a victim-center approach.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Provide an overview of the current problem, main research questions, findings, and implications

·  Explain how participants can contact their representative to influence public policy

·  Provide policy recommendations for practitioners

·  Discuss participants’ views on the emphasis on sex trafficking versus labor trafficking

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Longitudinal Community-based Participatory Research: The Colorado Project to Comprehensively Combat Human Trafficking

This session provides a longitudinal overview of the research methodologies and key findings from the Colorado Project to Comprehensively Combat Human Trafficking (Colorado Project). Since 2010, the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking’s community-based participatory research (CBPR) has aimed to develop sustainable efforts to end human trafficking with the essential input of those in the field. The series of Colorado Project methodologies have helped communities assess their strengths and gaps in combating human trafficking, asking key questions regarding partnership efforts in 2013, 2019 and 2023 (Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking). The session highlights the design of multi-sector project teams to conduct the research, the evolution of research questions, and lessons learned with each iteration. True to CBPR design, survivors, practitioners, and researchers co-designed and co-executed the design, inclusive of marginalized and underserved communities across Colorado (Miller et al., 2022; Miller et al, 2023). The multimethod design includes surveys, focus groups, and interviews tools designed to shed light on the nature of collaboration, answering questions focused upon the complexities of trust, equity, and effectiveness. In each iteration, survivors and community and systems leaders co-analyzed data to develop community-tailored Colorado Action Plans (2013, 2019 and 2023) to support strengths-based community responses to human trafficking that move beyond “4P” approaches to ending human trafficking. This session will review project outputs designed to sustain partnerships and preview pathways to examining four key root causes that create vulnerability to human trafficking across Colorado’s diverse geographies.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Describe the community-based participatory research methodologies applied statewide, including design of research project teams

·  Discuss the evolution of questions focused on ways that communities comprehensively organize to address human trafficking, particularly how task forces and coalition members collaborate to address human trafficking

·  Discuss the design, data collection, and Action Plans resulting from Colorado Projects 2013, 2019 and 2023

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Consensual Kink and the Enthusiastic Maybe After Trauma

Rachel will focus on the intersection of desire, bondage, discipline (or domination), sadism, and masochism (BDSM), and trauma history and how to work with clients that are living in that intersection. This will start by exploring each of those intersections as individual concepts linking them back to the dual control model of desire with a cursory description of the sexual excitation system and sexual inhibition system (Nagoski, 2015). The central point of the therapeutic concept will be to explore the interventions necessary for working with clients with these lived experiences. Interventions begin by exploring sex education, and safety education. Rachel will explain how intervention later moves towards empowerment through the lens of healing centered engagement. Healing centered engagement provides a holistic view of healing from traumatic experiences and environments by exploring awareness and actions that address the conditions that created the trauma in the first place (Prilleltensky, 2008). Rachel will use position statements and concepts of self-liberation, as supported by AASECT, as supporting arguments for the interventions. Rachel will also talk about the barriers that have come up in this work and the tools that have helped clients to experience sex and kink that they feel is for them and pleasurable. Rachel will bring examples from cases as well as research and educational topics from the Nation Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF). In conclusion, Rachel will wrap up with a call to destigmatize kink practices and the biases clinicians hold regarding the ways in which our clients find healing in the consent and connection it brings.

Presentation Objectives:

·  Describe ways to engage with clients looking to connect with sexuality and kink after trauma

·  Explain how to evaluate for safety

·  Explain how to educate on nuanced consent

·  Discuss trauma implications on sexual health

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