The issue of sex trafficking has long been a narrative that has involved women and girls. We now know that males are victimized by sexual exploitation in large numbers and it’s important to eliminate the gender bias and homophobia that males face as a result of their victimization. This presentation will address the various risk factors that males experience that result in their exploitation. The presentation will address how males identify their experience, the adverse childhood experiences that define their level of trauma/complex trauma, services needed to support recovery, policy recommendations for service providers from a multidisciplinary perspective, and how to develop programs organizationally specific to male victims/survivors.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Describe the risk factors that lead to the sexual exploitation of males

•  Discuss how males identify the categories of victimization

•  Describe the services needed for victims/survivors to support recovery

•  Provide various policy recommendations for organizations/providers to support programs for male victims/survivors

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Little research exists on previous educational attainment, present educational status, and future educational aspirations of adolescent survivors of sex trafficking. Even though education is highlighted as a “factor needed for success” for survivors, there is a paucity of information. Twelve current residents were included in this study; data came from intake surveys on past education, current educational achievement data, and interviews on current and future educational aspirations. Research questions included: 1) What were their past educational experiences? 2) What are their educational needs? 3) What are their small and big goals? and 4) What is their vision of success? The findings focus on the risk factors, current educational successes and challenges, and tensions in their future goal setting. Upon intake, most residents had multiple educational risk factors, and several residents also exhibited disruptive behaviors in their schooling history. Implications for practice include a need for targeted remedial education and individualized learning plans to help these adolescents catch up academically. Moreover, the presence of disruptive behaviors highlights the necessity of incorporating behavioral and psychological support within educational programs. Trauma-informed educational practices and mental health services could be essential components in helping these students engage positively with their education. By amplifying the voices and experiences of these residents, social workers, educators, and researchers need to prioritize the transformative power of educational attainment and aspirations in future studies of adolescent trafficking survivors and in developing successful residential programs.

 

Presentation Objectives:

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

•  Identify educational risk factors, successes, and challenges survivors face

•  Understand the importance of prioritizing educational attainment and aspirations in survivors’ recovery

•  Describe the implications and recommendations based on the research for residential care settings

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In 1975, Vicksburg, Michigan was a sleepy quiet little farming community. People thought that the Masonic Organization and Jehovah Witness church were helping families in the little community. But they did not know children were sexually abused by both organizations. Many children were forced to do sexual acts and drugs were put in the food to make them sleep. Rita O'Brien considers herself to be a fearless fighter in taking the next steps to get justice. At first, she started by learning more about what trafficking was. After educating others for 8 years and seeing the patterns that her dad displayed, Rita wanted to do more. Rita had to live a double life that no one understood. Rita went to school during the day, but endured the horrors that no child should have to endure. The day her dad allowed over 30 men to sexually assault her and another boy in her teens was the last. She wanted this horrific life to end. Later in life, she heard about Kalamazoo Area Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition and learned to speak to educate her community. Rita is now teaching police recruits at Kalamazoo Valley Community College a 4-hour training on human trafficking. She is also trying to find a way to get laws passed to have Michigan require that all children aged 5 and older be taught what trafficking is and how to get help. Now, she speaks under Michigan State Police with Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) to educate Law Enforcement on what needs to change and what has to be done. Rita will share her story to shed light on the abuse and trafficking that happened and what a predator looks like. She also wants people to know about properly educating police recruits so that change can happen community wide.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Describe what a predator looks like

•  Discuss what made situations in life difficult

•  Discuss the survivor’s life experience

•  Discuss what how to best work in the community

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Research studies traditionally use a top-down approach that excludes community members from decision-making processes. In contrast, community-based participatory research is a collaborative approach focused on dismantling traditional inequities by conducting research that engages, shares power with, and benefits communities of interest. Therefore, this community-engaged approach can help mitigate risk of misinterpretation and misrepresentation of findings. This study sought to use a community-based participatory research approach to investigate the life histories of adults who experienced commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) prior to the age 11. Together, the lead researcher and lived experience experts, part of a community advisory board, will share how they partnered in conducting this study. Research participants will provide their perceptions of the research process and perspectives on how this approach exceeded their expectations. This presentation will provide real world examples of how community-engaged research approaches can assuage ethical concerns and reduce risk of harm and re-traumatization when investigating issues related to CSE. This presentation will identify the bidirectional benefits of community-engaged research and address ways that collaborators can simultaneously care for their physical and emotional selves. Further, this presentation will elucidate the lessons learned through this process and offer suggestions on how to make community-engaged research viable, mutually beneficial, and sustainable.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Describe characteristics of community based participatory research and how it relates to research on CSE

•  Identify the role and value of integrating lived experience into research processes

•  Analyze the benefits of using community based participatory research in CSE research and the impact it can have on researchers and community members

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The intertwined issues of human trafficking, reproductive rights, and abortion ignite intense debates due to their ethical complexities. Human trafficking, a severe violation of human rights, involves exploiting individuals through coercion or deception. This includes sexual exploitation and forced labor. Reproductive rights, centered on bodily autonomy, emphasize individuals' rights to make choices about contraception, pregnancy, and abortion. Access to safe abortion services is vital for exercising these rights. The nexus of human trafficking and reproductive rights presents ethical dilemmas. Trafficking victims may struggle to access reproductive healthcare due to coercion or lack of resources. Some argue that enabling access to abortion for these victims protects their autonomy and prevents further exploitation. Conversely, opponents cite moral objections, including religious beliefs and concerns about the rights of the unborn, advocating against abortion promotion even for trafficking survivors. The presenter will outline this complex issue and talk about why it’s important to dialogue and understand the perspectives of both sides of this critical issue.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Explore the issues of human trafficking and reproductive rights, including abortion

•  Outline the debates occurring between those who support and do not support abortion

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Human trafficking is a public health issue that requires a trauma-informed, survivor-focused response from all health care providers. There is evidence related to the healthcare needs of trafficking survivors, but there is still limited research and insight into the best approaches for the treatment of psychological trauma experienced by trafficking victims. The trauma experienced within this patient population is chronic and complex. This workshop explores best practices in a phased approach used to treat trauma and trauma-related symptoms of trafficking victims. In phase 2, participants will be introduced to the Flash Technique modified for therapy with survivors of human trafficking. The Flash Technique can help prepare the survivor for Phase 3 trauma treatment because it allows them to process traumatic memories with minimum or no feelings of distress. This training includes an overview of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) techniques specifically for use with survivors of human trafficking. Please note, EMDR and other techniques should not be used without advanced, multi-hour training and relevant certifications. Participants will be provided additional training resources offered by the Emancipation Nation Network. Participant engagement through case studies related to recovery stories will be shared. A special clinical impact will be emphasized throughout the training related to the trainer’s personal and clinical experience working with other survivors of trafficking.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Identify three trauma-related symptoms of human trafficking victims

•  Discuss three evidence-based practices for the treatment of trauma and trauma-related symptoms

•  Detail the Flash Technique and EMDR and discuss how it is specific for treating trauma-related symptoms with human trafficking victims

•  Explain the recovery process for survivors of human trafficking

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The Department of Justice's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) oversees the Department’s Asset Forfeiture Program (Program). One of the Program’s primary goals is to recover assets that may be used to compensate victims when authorized under federal law. Since 2002, MLARS has returned nearly $12 billion to hundreds of thousands of victims with forfeited assets in cases supported by MLARS. MLARS also operates an Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative with a mission to investigate and prosecute targets engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, human smuggling, and child exploitation offenses, with a specific focus on how these offenders and criminal organizations finance their operations and launder their illicit proceeds. This presentation will focus on the types of cases where the Department can compensate victims with forfeited assets, along with information for victim advocates who are directly assisting victims of federal crimes. The presentation will address different categories of victims and schemes, with a focus on human trafficking, along with discussing the documentation and information that will need to be submitted to the Department.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Identify differences between forfeiture and restitution

•  Present scenarios when federal asset forfeiture, including civil forfeiture, may be available

•  Explain how various categories of victims, specifically human trafficking victims, may be treated under current regulations

•  Discuss strategies for compensating victims with losses that fall outside of the regulations

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Florida is estimated to have the third highest amount of human trafficking in the United States. Victim identification and a misunderstanding of the crime impede the arrest process, while downstream orientation and prosecutorial discretion affect the judicial process. Through a conceptual framework of cultural blinders, prosecutorial decision-making, and victim-centered investigations, this study analyzed the prioritization of Florida's human trafficking investigations, whether trafficking convictions reflect original arrest charges, and the current issues with Florida's current legal definition of human trafficking. A mixed-methods approach using state and federal convictions and the National Human Trafficking Hotline accompanied by semi-structured interviews with law enforcement, prosecutors, civil and non-profit attorneys, and victim advocates are used to test the hypotheses of this project. The research finds that sex trafficking is the main focus of human trafficking investigations; prosecutors rely on victims' testimonies, which influence plea deals, and the current stipulation of trafficking laws places high burdens on the victims' testimonies, influencing revictimization. It is recommended that further research be conducted on states that provide victim protection during the deposition and testimony stages of the trial to determine if the prosecution has different outcomes. Furthermore, more law enforcement officers should be interviewed to determine why labor trafficking is not investigated in Florida.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Describe an overview of Florida's human trafficking judicial system, study methodology, and preliminary findings

•  Provide recommendations for judicial reform in Florida to assist victims and survivors better

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Covenant House Vancouver has dedicated the past 3 years to learning about best practices for anti-human trafficking and exploring how those practices can be brought home to our youth. This process came from understanding that almost all youth- serving organizations will engage with those at risk, experiencing, and who have survived human trafficking. We have learnt that any youth-serving organization can pivot practice to offer evidence-based supports for anti-human trafficking with 5 key pillars of work. The purpose of the workshop is to educate and galvanize the youth sector including organizations that specifically work with those at risk, victims, and survivors of trafficking along with organizations working with the general youth population. This workshop is informed by an extensive research project that included a literature review, staff focus groups, consultation throughout North America, practice tours, and a thematic analysis. The 5 pillars of increasing organizational capacity to address human trafficking are explored: Staff Awareness, Anti-Human Trafficking Service Model, Resources, Networks, and Youth Awareness and Empowerment. The workshop is designed to engage participants in understanding how anti-human trafficking work can be part of all youth work and how all youth work is either a preventative tool and/or intervention for human trafficking. This workshop is designed to highlight the opportunity of therapeutic alliances developed within youth serving organizations to addressing human trafficking.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Engage youth-serving organizations in anti-trafficking work whether they be specialists or not

•  Outline evidence-based best practices for anti-trafficking in generalist youth services

•  Outline the needs of youth that generalist services can meet for the prevention and intervention of trafficking and exploitation

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In this workshop, presenter Brenna Wallace shares her personal journey as a survivor of human trafficking, shedding light on the often-overlooked victims of this heinous crime. Using her own case as an example, Wallace illustrates the signs and indicators of human trafficking, offering insights into how these victims are often hidden in plain sight. Through her harrowing story, Wallace will highlight the importance of recognizing the signs of human trafficking and provide recommendations on how individuals can help these victims escape their abusers and move towards healing. She will also discuss the need for stronger legislation and support systems to protect and empower survivors of human trafficking. Additionally, Wallace delves into the insidious tactics of coercion used by traffickers to control their victims, showing how even the strongest individuals can become trapped in a cycle of abuse. This presentation serves as a powerful call to action, urging attendees to stand up against human trafficking and support those who have been silenced and forgotten.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Raise awareness about the prevalence of human trafficking and the hidden nature of its victims, using the personal story of Brenna Wallace as a lens to understand the complexities of this crime

•  Educate attendees on how to identify signs of human trafficking and provide actionable recommendations on how they can support and assist victims in seeking help and breaking free from their captors

•  Advocate for stronger legislative measures to combat human trafficking and provide better support for survivors emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response to this global epidemic

•  Illustrate the different forms of coercion used by traffickers to control their victims, shining a light on the psychological and physical manipulation tactics employed

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Beyond offering human trafficking prevention education to youth, rigorous evaluation of programming that considers the voices of recipients is much needed to advance safety of teens across the U.S. 168 high school aged youth at a school in a Midwest School District were offered 4.5 hours (six 45-minute sessions) of programming focused on preventing human trafficking. Students’ feedback on the program was solicited following each session, and 462 written forms were thematically analyzed to determine 1) overall reception to the program, 2) grouping categories most reflected upon, 3) self-reported/perceived impact of participating, and 4) negative emotions (materials making one feel upset/unsafe) elicited. Data from pre/post surveys, and program fidelity forms were integrated to generate a rich overview of programming context, participants, and effect. The findings of the program evaluation suggest most students had positive reception, gained positive effects from participating, and with few instances of students reporting feeling upset or unsafe. Feedback primarily reflected upon program educators, program structure/layout, and materials/activities. Themes of programming impact most centered on gained skills and knowledge. Based upon student reflections, researchers curated recommendations related to generating positive human trafficking prevention programming reception and impact with 9th-12th grade students. Collectively, youth responses indicated the need for programming to be interactive, include information related to current events/focus on local sources, and be delivered by educators willing to integrate compassion, authenticity, and at times humor about a difficult topic often shrouded in a culture of silence.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Explore findings of thematic analysis of the feedback generated from high school aged youth participants of a human trafficking prevention education program

•  Discuss successes and areas of improvement needed for positive reception to curriculum

•  Highlight lessons learned and future directions for generating community based participatory research in the field of human trafficking

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Transportation plays a key role in combating human trafficking. This session presents the findings from the National Outreach Survey for Transportation (NOST) focused on forced labor, addressing the significant data gap regarding the intersection of human trafficking and transportation. NOST, the first-ever U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award-winning proposal, is a comprehensive survey primarily for multiple modes of transportation. The survey aimed to identify what is and is not working on the frontlines of counter-human trafficking efforts and document unresolved challenges and recommendations from a total of 3,896 respondents from 1) transportation personnel, 2) victim service providers, and 3) trafficking survivors. The NOST also sought to supply data that may contribute to recommendations to improve counter-trafficking efforts. Among 173 respondents working in various state DOT construction units, only 26% feel slightly or very confident (19% and 7%, respectively) about identifying labor trafficking in their work environment. Participating transportation workers confirm specific training topics that may help to identify forced labor proximate to the work environment or within the community, transportation-related venues, and events. Respondents from multiple transport modes also provide valuable suggestions on how personnel and industry leaders can help combat human trafficking in supply chains. For the primarily U.S.-based transportation respondents, the most suggested strategy for encouraging companies to use products free from forced labor in their supply chains was high penalties (1,229 respondents), followed by loss of tax benefits (850 respondents) (total n = 1,766). Organizations can utilize these results for their anti-trafficking plans in consultation with the local community and broader anti-trafficking stakeholders in the transportation industry.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Present frontline input on human trafficking, including the survivor and service provider perspectives, on the intersection of human trafficking and transportation, including the supply chains associated with the sector

•  Provide specific recommendations for the transportation industry

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This presentation addresses the phenomenon of spiritual trafficking within religious institutions through identifying, analyzing, and defining the trend. The research will be in light of first-hand lived experiences as the researcher recounts their own experience of being groomed, trafficked, and subsequently re-exploited by religious communities. The research conducted is a Directed Content Analysis by the presenter of existing research, trends, and standards of the concepts of spiritual abuse, human trafficking, and the intersection of these concepts. The initial research question was, “Is spiritual trafficking a definable term” and the research provides an overview of the current research while identifying gaps in this data. The findings of the research assert there is indeed a category of spiritual trafficking that has been observed and more research should be dedicated to further expand it. This presentation serves as a poignant backdrop for the exploration of spiritual trafficking, a term coined to encompass the manipulation and coercion of individuals within religious contexts. Spiritual trafficking can overlap with sex or labor trafficking; yet can be categorized as its own experience, much like spiritual abuse (which can overlap with sexual or domestic violence but ultimately can be categorized separately with its own harmful abuses that are spiritual in nature). Drawing parallels with the better-known concept of spiritual abuse, the presenter elucidates how spiritual trafficking aligns with the definitions and tactics of traditional trafficking, involving elements of force, fraud, coercion, manipulation, and control.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Create a working definition of “spiritual trafficking” through research and first-hand experience and differentiate it from “spiritual abuse”

•  Identify the dynamics, tactics, and ways that spiritual trafficking translates into four distinct variants: grooming, passive exploitation, active exploitation, and re-exploitation

•  Utilize first-hand experience to give tangible examples for the audience to identify these theories in practice

•  Create a call-to-action for faith-based communities and beyond to address this concern

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While sex trafficking and porn have both been defined as forms of sexual violence, rooted in a system of gender inequality, what is often overlooked is the way these two industries are culturally and economically linked. The first part of this presentation will explore how porn acts as both a method of recruitment into trafficking, and a major driver of demand. Drawing from empirical research and testimonies from porn performers, trafficked women, and sex buyers, we argue that as long as we have a multi-billion-dollar porn industry, we will always have sex trafficking. By unpacking this symbiotic relationship between porn and trafficking, we can develop a more nuanced theory and practice to abolish all forms of sexual violence. The second part of this presentation will highlight the most popular social media platforms accessed by young people today, exposing how social media has been hijacked by the porn industry. We will provide examples of how social media platforms are fueling sexual exploitation and prostitution, from the exchange of sexual currency in Live Streams, to the grooming and recruitment of young people into prostitution and sex trafficking. The harmful and dangerous effects of the collusion of these industries will be discussed. Finally, we will conclude with how Culture Reframed, through a public health approach, assists parents and professionals who work with young people in navigating the treacherous terrain of social media, pornography, prostitution, and trafficking.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Explain how the pornography and sex trafficking industries are culturally and economically linked

•  Explain how pornography acts as both a method of recruitment into trafficking and a major driver of demand

•  Explain how social media platforms fuel sexual exploitation and prostitution and the harms this causes

•  Discuss strategies for safe, gentle conversations to engage young people in talking about hypersexualized social media, sexual exploitation, and violence

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Child labor and forced labor are subject to widespread international sanctions, leading perpetrators to hide the sources of these goods. As a result, some honest and ethical companies may unknowingly purchase goods produced by exploited labor. The U.S. Bureau of International Labor Affairs has published a list of goods by country produced by child labor for forced labor. In this Matched Case Control Study, individual countries with the most goods from trafficked labor are each matched to the most similar country where goods from child and forced labor are relatively rare. Economic, government, social, education, and other data are mined to find consistent differences between high- and low-prevalence countries. The objective of the study is to identify risk factors for child and forced labor to support further investigation and identification of perpetrators and as an aid to companies seeking to avoid inadvertent purchase of goods produced in this way. In this analysis, leading risk factors are found to center around economic disadvantages for the families of the victims, including unemployment and economic opportunity, unavailability of credit, government corruption, poor education, and social and political upheaval. Supported by this analysis, conference attendees will be able to identify countries and goods where child and forced labor is hidden in supply chains and help avoid them, target their own efforts towards these areas, and promote use of the list as a tool for addressing exploited labor in supply chains.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Describe the list of goods by country produced by child labor for forced labor created by the U.S. Labor Department's Bureau of International Labor Affairs and how it can be used to better understand child and forced labor

•  Provide details of how a Matched Case Control study is conducted and applications in human trafficking research

•  Identify and explain prominent risk factors for child labor and forced labor

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This presentation offers insight into the ways community systems can overlook signs of human trafficking, resulting in the proliferation of vulnerabilities and victimization. This session will be led by an expert in the field who will draw from their unique lived experiences to provide an understanding of this complex issue, following a 29-year journey marked by trafficking and missed signs. By delving into the intricate dynamics and lasting impacts of systemic oversight, participants will gain an understanding of the distinct challenges presented to survivors with experiences of being “missed” by service providers across spectrums. This comprehensive presentation has been crafted for victim service providers and law enforcement, caregivers of youth in the foster care system, adoptive parents, advocates, and other professionals. The presenter will discuss their survivor story, including how a series of systems did not identify or intervene in the trafficking situation. The session will end the presenter walking attendees through the process of strengthening systems to better identify human trafficking in their communities. For example, how to be invested in our communities, hold space for people within the systems we serve, and how to be aware of common signs within our field.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Consider how to integrate the survivor case study into their best practices

•  Assist attendees to ask the right questions and build rapport through trauma informed application

•  Reinforce an appreciation for thorough human trafficking 101 trainings and assign where those trainings may be lacking in their communities

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Without the ability to report crimes without being arrested for prostitution, sex workers and sex trafficking survivors are easy victims. Burns’ 2015 thesis action research on the lived experiences and policy recommendations of people in Alaska's sex trade uncovered the experiences of Alaskan sex workers and sex trafficking survivors in trying to report serious crimes to the police and led to Alaska passing the U.S.'s first immunity in reporting laws for sex workers. After the law was passed, Alaskan sex workers and sex trafficking survivors reported crimes like child pornography, sexual abuse of a minor, and information about an unsolved murder. One sex trafficking case Burns helped report illustrated the need for sex work clients to also be afforded immunity in reporting. Most recently in Alaska, a brave sex worker stole a phone containing videos of a horrific murder and reported the serial killer Brian Steven Smith to police. Rhode Island currently has two immunity bills (one of which Burns helped draft), which illustrate the importance of local context and critical thinking in crafting effective immunity laws. In Rhode Island and nationally, an ongoing qualitative survey of sex workers and sex trafficking survivors allows criminalized victims and witnesses a safe way to share their stories with lawmakers. Currently, seven states have immunity from prostitution laws for people reporting crimes, and there is quite a bit of variety in the laws. This presentation will explain the elements of effective immunity laws and the public education that has to happen after immunity laws are passed.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Describe the importance of action research in achieving relevant policy change for sex workers and sex trafficking survivors

•  Convey the important elements of an effective immunity bill and the importance of bills being rooted in an understanding of local contexts

•  Use examples and storytelling to help attendees understand the importance of immunity bills in fighting sex trafficking and other heinous crimes against sex workers and sex trafficking survivors

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This presentation offers a compelling narrative intertwining personal experiences as a survivor of sex trafficking with professional insights garnered from working with trafficked and at-risk youth and adults. Through the lens of lived experiences and expertise, the presentation aims to illuminate the vulnerabilities inherent within the demographic of those subjected to trafficking, shedding light on the complex interplay of societal, familial, and systemic factors. With a focus on fostering empathy, understanding, and actionable solutions, Nyki seeks to contribute meaningfully to the discourse at the IHTSJ Conference, advocating for comprehensive approaches to prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Share personal experiences as a survivor of sex trafficking to provide insight into the realities faced by victims

•  Analyze the vulnerabilities within the demographic of those who are trafficked, drawing upon both personal experiences and professional expertise

•  Illuminate the intersectionality of factors contributing to susceptibility to exploitation, including societal inequities, familial discord, and systemic neglect

•  Advocate for comprehensive solutions aimed at prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation, informed by both lived experiences and professional insights

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Mr. Bandaranayake and Ms. Umrani will present findings from a survey of 150 individuals aged 15-18 across three groups in Sri Lanka's tea plantation areas: children living in plantations and attending school, children living in plantations who dropped out of school to work, and children who moved to cities for labor. The study aimed to understand their experiences and recommend measures to reduce dropout rates and improve safeguarding. Key findings revealed high rates of poverty, violence, abuse, and sexual exploitation. Many children leave school due to lack of resources, low family income, and pressure to work, often facing harsh labor conditions. Root causes identified include the long-term impact of Sri Lanka's colonial history, the 25-year civil war, and continued marginalization of the Tamil community. Plantation schools lack resources and qualified teachers compared to non-plantation government schools. The results underscore the urgent need for intervention. Recommendations include financial assistance for education, school system reform, expanded childcare, improved housing, strict enforcement of child labor laws, and rehabilitation services for abuse victims. A multi-stakeholder approach is needed to implement protective policies and programs. Attendees will gain critical insights into the circumstances faced by children in Sri Lanka's plantations and learn about potential collaborative solutions.

 

Presentation Objectives:

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

•  Describe the key risk factors and root causes contributing to child labor and exploitation in Sri Lanka's tea plantations

•  Discuss the implications of the research and propose multi-stakeholder recommendations to address the issues

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While the body of research on effective interventions for female adolescents who experience trafficking victimization is growing, much remains unknown about literacy practices in these settings. Previous literature on female adolescents within residential care settings includes examining trafficking risk factors, treatment needs, and service delivery systems. To our knowledge, there is a lack of literature on trauma-informed literacy practices within residential care centers for adolescent victims of human trafficking. Through methodologies of walking and thinking with theory, the researchers explored the public spaces of the residency facility with the seven participants, recording literacy events and the participants’ perceptions. These posthuman and post-qualitative methodologies allowed the researchers to analyze the entanglements of local literacy events, cultural literacy practices, and care within one such facility for female adolescent trafficking victims in the Gulf South. To address the purpose, the researchers asked three research questions: 1) What are the local literacy texts of a trafficked youth residential treatment facility? 2) What are other local literacy events in the facility? and 3) What literacy practices are created by the entanglements of texts, literacy events, and the facility context? Participants included the facility’s seven leaders; data was collected in three phases of walking the common spaces. Findings include literacy practices of belonging, permanence, and remembrance; of spiritual guidance; of educational aspirations; and of individual creativity. This research sheds light into the possibilities for caring literacy practices within an alternative, residential, and educational space for recovering trafficked female adolescents.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Highlight the underexplored literacy practices within residential care settings for female adolescent victims of human trafficking

•  Shed light on the intricate interplay between literacy events, space, context, and care within these facilities

•  Advocate for the implementation of caring literacy practices within alternative, residential, and educational spaces for recovering trafficked female adolescents

•  Provide insights into how such literacy practices can contribute to the holistic recovery and empowerment of adolescent survivors

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