Human trafficking remains a global issue, often overlooked due to misconceptions and biases. Among the marginalized victims, male trafficking victims and survivors face unique challenges, including legal and police biases and societal stigmatization. This presentation aims to shed light on the legal and law enforcement biases against male victims of human trafficking, propose strategies for building an intersectional legal and police response, and discuss best practices, challenges, and lessons learned in working with law enforcement and the legal system. Addressing legal and law enforcement biases against male victims of human trafficking in order to build an intersectional response require concerted efforts from policymakers, legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and civil society. By adopting inclusive approaches, fostering collaborative partnerships, and prioritizing survivor-centered practices, we can enhance the legal protection and the frontline support available to male trafficking victims and survivors, ultimately contributing to a more just and equitable society.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Discuss building an intersectional legal and police response

•  Explain how an effective response to male trafficking necessitates an intersectional approach that acknowledges the diverse identities and experiences of victims

•  Discuss intersecting factors such as gender, race, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status that influence vulnerability to trafficking and access to legal remedies

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Learn how Worthwhile Wear, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has developed a platform fostering opportunities for partnerships among federal and local law enforcement, government, and social service providers to help break down the many barriers that exist between survivors of trafficking and the public sector. Worthwhile Wear’s ground-breaking “Worth It” initiative is a broad-reaching community-facilitated outreach program that invites survivors to participate in multidisciplinary educational sessions. “Worth It” utilizes an evidenced-based approach that addresses the most common underlying cause for recidivism, unresolved trauma. Trauma is the primary underlying factor that causes or perpetuates many societal issues like addiction, unemployment, fractured relationships, and maladaptive behaviors. When engaging with survivors enrolled in the “Worth It” program, Worthwhile Wear practices a three-stage model of trauma recovery as developed by Judith Herman’s extensive work in the field. Utilizing this methodology and employing evidence-based treatments such as TF-CBT, our therapist helps survivors establish coping skills and capacity to recognize their emotional state for self-regulation. Pre and post program data indicates participants' self-realization related to the exploitation that they have encountered and re-directs their framework from self-blame to survivorship. Attendees of this presentation will learn how survivors benefit most when public and private agencies work collaboratively, and how key healing factors aren’t reliant on good programming, but more so on trauma identification and developing healthy community relationships. This engaging presentation will have you laughing, learning, and considering how your organization can achieve a greater impact when serving survivors.

 

Presentation Objectives:

•  Explain how to engage with survivors of trafficking to know what unique needs and challenges survivors of this crime have

•  Discuss the importance of pursuing a proven method and utilizing the private sector to build/rebuild a healthy bridge to exploited individuals

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