In this presentation, the audience will be asked to question one of the foundational concepts of anti-trafficking work and ask: Is anti-trafficking a criminal justice issue? This presentation will examine that question, and what it means to use a criminal justice framework to address a social justice problem. First we will explore the various ways in which we institutionalize this work within a criminal justice framework, including through laws and social dialogue. We will look at the problems with contextualizing the issue as one of victim/victimizer, the concept of success as a question of laws and expansion of law enforcement, and the harms of couching anti-trafficking in terms of numbers of arrests and prosecutions. Case studies which juxtapose the use of criminal justice-based mechanisms with other forms of anti-trafficking work will be utilized as we explore the ideas of what anti-trafficking work is, what justice looks like, and alternative frameworks which could lead to more rights-based and survivor-centered outcomes.
Read MoreThis presentation aims to educate professionals working with young people on the issues of sexual assault, dating violence, and reproductive coercion. The target audience for this program are educators and professionals working with an adolescent population, domestic violence workers, and sexual assault advocates. This presentation sheds light on the prevalence of sexual abuse and reproductive coercion within already violent intimate partner relationships. As part of this educational session, information will also be provided regarding victim rights and services available to victims of these crimes.
During the program, observers will learn the legal definitions and basic facts about dating violence, sexual assault, and reproductive coercion. Observers will also be given an in-depth explanation of the Ohio Statutory Rape Law and how this law is relevant to the issues of dating violence and reproductive coercion. Observers will also be advised of the appropriate protocol for dealing with disclosure of these crimes as well as the various options afforded to survivors regarding the legal process, advocacy, and seeking medical treatment.
Participants will be provided with statistical information regarding these three types of violence and how they are related to each other. Statistics included in the presentation are: statistics regarding survivors’ relationships to their offender, the common age ranges of survivors, the amount of male and female survivors, and the prevalence of unreported incidents. In closing, observers will be given contact information for local advocacy services.
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Read MoreThe Green Dot Strategy is a comprehensive approach to violence prevention that is capsulized on the power of peer and cultural influences across all levels and ages of the Socio-Ecological model. Informed by the social change theory, the model targets all community members, as potential bystanders, and seeks to engage them, through awareness, education, and skills-practice, in proactive behaviors that establish intolerance of violence as the norm, as well as reactive interventions in high risk situations- resulting in the ultimate reduction of violence.
A Green Dot etc. training is distinct from a typical conference experience. In addition to learning the core curriculum, the Green Dot etc. training engages participants in skill-building and analysis focused on fostering authentic relationships, personal connection and mastery of skills and knowledge necessary for effective persuasive communication.
A foundational tenet of the Green Dot etc. violence prevention strategy is the belief that we cannot expect others to engage in a process we are not willing to engage in ourselves.
Objectives:
1) Gain an understanding of the Green Dot etc.
2) Engage in an in-depth examination of their personal and professional connection to the issue of violence prevention.
3) Understand personal, cultural, and societal obstacles to action.
4) Equip bystanders with the knowledge and empowerment to become an educated active bystander.
Shadow on the Heartland is a 30 minute film on sexual trafficking in Ohio. It features Rep Teresa Fedor, Gov. John Kasich, Dr. Celia Williamson, Judge Paul Herbert, survivors, an ex pimp and two undercover police officers. The film is designed to show to children and teens in schools and youth groups to educate them about this crime and learn how to prevent becoming a victim. The film also can raise the awareness of this crime among the general public. The film can be used as a resource tool for organizations fighting sexual trafficking. Camille & Haley Harris, two young recording artists, from Tulsa narrate the film and present their song "Slavery" which will likely become the banner song of the anti-sexual trafficking movement.
Read MoreMass incarceration makes millions for those who own and operate private prisons. These entrepreneurs lobby to enforce laws and impose stricter laws to put and keep people in prison. Many of these prisons have removed rehabilitation services, such as GED, training programs, or Alcoholics Anonymous support groups, opting instead to overfill their prison in favor of profit. This documentary and discussion about a private owned prison for profit in Ohio will educate the audience on the impact of privately owned prisons for profit.
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