This workshop proposes a paradigm shift that redefines the implementation of trauma-informed care for human trafficking survivors. Presented from their multidisciplinary and strength-based perspective, the presenters will develop and apply Trauma-Informed Practices (TIPs) that service providers, academics, and policy makers can utilize in improving response to all forms of human trafficking. Collaborative accompaniment is a way of creating and envisioning safety and reciprocity with, for, and among survivors and those who accompany them. The purpose of this workshop is to demonstrate that anti-trafficking response should give human trafficking survivors something to move towards, not just something to "escape" from. Collaborative partners support survivors as they seek to develop their strengths and coping skills for moving into the future.

Presentation Objectives:

• Develop a stronger understanding of core accompaniment concepts: safety, belonging, and empowerment
• Consider new ways for creating safety while prioritizing empowerment and a sense of belonging
• Brainstorm long-term approaches to incorporate in anti-trafficking policy and practice

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/23322705.2017.1346445

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A call to awareness regarding sex trafficking has increased research, bolstered social justice efforts, improved education, and influenced federal laws that protect victims and prosecute traffickers. Federal laws on sex trafficking are now being used through undercover sting operations via the Internet to arrest and prosecute buyers who attempt to engage in commercial sex with minors. A narrative analysis was completed to create an in-depth case study outlining the correspondences between a buyer and an undercover agent advertising trafficked children for sex. Participants are afforded a rare opportunity to examine actual emails related to the purchase of a child for sexual exploitation. The emails were used against the buyer as evidence within the court of law. The authors assert that the following case study will contribute to the body of literature on the victim selection processes and cognitive distortions employed by buyers of children for sex.

Presentation Objectives:

·       Describe the current tactics being used to prosecute buyers of sex trafficking

·       Present a case study of a buyer looking to purchase underage sex online

·       Allow participants to explore details of this case

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Gina Hope will share her personal story of being sold by her mother and held for over four years by a gang until escaping only to be trafficked by those she thought were her rescuers. Her road to healing has created a desire in her to help others. Everyone has trials in life, but all can overcome. Gina has begun research and will speak about what may make children vulnerable to traffickers and how abusers are able to use PAS to get away with, and in some cases, continue abuse. The presenter will also discuss prevention for middle school children, which is a targeted age range for American traffickers. For example, prevention could cover how middle school children have to catch the bus in the dark, blocks away from their homes, but next to a place where traffickers have previously approached children.

Presentation Objectives:

·       Share her personal story of trafficking

·       Describe areas of prevention for middle school children

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While there is substantial research on the characteristics of the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in sub-Saharan Africa, there is almost no knowledge on support services provided to child victims. A mixed research method was used to explore the services available to CSEC victims in the West African region. Convenience sampling was used to select 709 children in prostitution and 64 leaders of structures dealing with CSEC in the region. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from the children and semi-structured interview guides were used to collect data from organization leaders. The findings show that the needs of CSEC victims in West Africa diverged from those identified in the mainstream literature, which partly explains why few victims could access services. Service needs of CSEC victims in the region are different from care models in the literature, especially regarding trauma-focused care. Issues of service provision were linked to various difficulties encountered by the structures, including lack of understanding of needs of CSEC victims; lack of resources for support services; lack of outreach interventions, and socio-cultural factors. Implications for practice, policy and research will be discussed.
Presentation Objectives:

·       Review policy responses to CSEC in West Africa

·       Analyze stakeholders’ input in the policy response and service provision to CSEC victims/survivors in the region through the framework of aftercare services regarding human trafficking cases

·       Highlight the distinctiveness of service needs of CSEC victims

·       Highlight the challenges for service access and provision in West Africa, in contrast with the mainstream literature on the issue

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This presentation will provide participants an opportunity to gain an understanding of the history of Women of Color as it relates to sexual violence and the anti-oppression/anti-violence movement. The presenter will discuss the implications and present-day manifestations of historical trauma on Women of Color, as well as the systematic failures that impact Women of Color from accessing needed services. Finally, the presenter will teach the audience ways in which they can become trauma-informed, and how they can engage with Women of Color survivors while incorporating cultural humility.

Presentation Objectives:

·         Describe the history of Women of Color as it related to sexual violence

·         Explain instances of historical trauma on Women of Color which lead to systematic failures

·         Describe engagement strategies and ways to be trauma-informed

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In this presentation, Callan will introduce participants to the power of personal story and how they can use it to heal themselves while providing hope and inspiration to others facing challenges similar to the ones they've encountered. Callan will guide them through a creative process to revisit, reframe, and tell their stories effectively and succinctly - either in a private journal for their own benefit or with a group for the benefit of all. Those who choose to share their stories with the larger community may elect to be videotaped at a subsequent storytelling workshop for inclusion in the Village Wisdom Portal, a free online community resource to give hope and inspiration during challenging times.

Presentation Objectives:

• Explain how personal stories affects people
• Provide insights and tools to most effectively reframe and tell personal stories to facilitate personal healing
• Share first-hand feedback from someone that's chosen to tell and share their story publicly
• Provide participants an opportunity to share their story publicly for their own benefit as well as the benefit of others

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Set against the historical backdrop of the sex worker rights movement, this session will explore sex worker-led grassroots organizing. Organizations from different regions will discuss the tactics of community building, developing support services, destigmatization, and harm reduction to promote the safety and dignity of fellow sex trade workers in their area. As every group has a unique story, panelists will compare and contrast the challenges faced by each group, and the solutions found. Finally, panelists will speak about the current needs of their communities, and how allies can work together to end violence against sex trade workers.

Presentation Objectives:

·         Explore various sex worker-led grassroots organizations from various regions across the country

·         Discuss the tactics used by these organizations

·         Compare and contrast challenges and solutions of each organization

·         Describe the current needs in each organization’s community

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