Two of the most prominent social justice issues of our time are human trafficking and the oppression of sex/sexuality/gender minorities, yet it is frequently overlooked just how often these two issues converge. Although specific figures are challenging to identify, it is known that every year hundreds of thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/sex, queer, etc. (LGBTQ+) are victimized through human sex trafficking (Martinez & Kelle, 2013). Moreover, research demonstrates that they are at higher risk of being trafficked than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts (Cochran, Stewart, Ginzler, & Cauce, 2002; Martinez & Kelle, 2013; Tyler, 2008). In addition to a general awareness, what is often missing in the conversation is how and why this population is at particular risk of being sold for sex, along with increasing preventative measures. This presentation will address awareness, prevention, intervention, and social justice of the sex trafficking of LGBTQ+ individuals through a three step process. An overview of the research findings on this segment of the issue will be detailed, bringing the awareness into clear focus. Next, education will be provided on the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community which puts them at particularly high risk of being manipulated and victimized. Such issues include, but are not limited to, the high rates of un-housed LGBTQ+ youth, and how nationally 60% of them report being sexually victimized (Lillie, 2013). Finally, the presenters will provide specific, concrete tools that can be utilized to combat the trafficking of LGBTQ+ persons. These resources will include direct social justice action steps, and an overview of LGBTQ+-affirmative approaches (AAMFT, 2014; Kort, 2008) These approaches can be utilized by any professional or student across a wide-range of disciplines including law enforcement, criminal justice, social work, and counseling. Through this approach, participants will leave this presentation with the information and resources to address the problem of LGBTQ+ human sex trafficking.
Objectives:
1) Identify and describe the awareness components associated with LGBTQ+ human trafficking.
2) Identify and describe the risk-factors which place LGBTQ+ at higher risk of human trafficking than non-LGBTQ+.
3) Implement measures to prevent the human trafficking of LGBTQ+ through individual and community interventions, and social justice activities.
4) Understand the foundational elements of affirmative approaches in working with LGBTQ+.
As those who have been victimized and exploited begin to recover and heal from the trauma of having been trafficked, there are a number of supports they can make use of to improve their emotional well-being. Often times, mental health counseling or therapy is appropriate for some individuals while others may require psychotropic medications either alone or in addition to therapy. This presentation will address the role of psychiatric medications in working with and treating human trafficking victims and survivors.
Objectives:
1) Accurately describe which categories of mental health medications are most appropriate in working with this population;
2) Accurately explain how and why they work;
3) Discuss the side effects and problems the individual needs to be aware of while taking the medications; and
4) Discuss when psychotropic medications are not enough as well as when they are not indicated
This session will discuss the details of a human trafficking case investigation by the FBI and Toledo Police. This presentation will cover the investigation from start to conviction, going over such things as the sting itself, victim witness issue's, and the trial. The presenters will also show clips from training video used to educate police officers on what to look for when engaging potential victims and/or traffickers.
Read MoreThe global issue of human sex trafficking is well known. Yet America, one of the richest countries in the world, fails to recognize the vast number of males that are affected by this abusive phenomenon. Simply stated, such atrocity cannot be tolerated. We must bridge the gap and offer reconciliation. "BOYS?" speaks to just that, answering the gruesome facts concerning male sex trafficking and speaking to the question of what hope looks like for survivors. Restore One has crafted something unique. As they are opening The Anchor House, the first safe home in the nation for boys who've been sexually trafficked. Their programming is one of a kind. The recovery model, titled The HOPE Model, walks boys through their story of trafficking by allowing space to grieve and rage over the harm done to their heart and body. The HOPE Model uses poetry, yoga and art as gateways for the boys to heal and express emotion. "BOYS?" teaches about what care for boys who've been sexually trafficked looks like and how care providers can make tangible steps to offer help and healing. Visit RestoreOneLife.org to learn about Restore One
Read MoreSexual abuse has profound and devastating effects on the cognitive, emotional, and relational functioning of children. This training will explain how recent brain research has informed the new DSM-5 model for PTSD, resulting in a more accurate conceptualization of this diagnosis. In particular, this training will explain in simple language how traumatic events in general—and especially sexual abuse in particular—affect the developing brains of young children, resulting in symptoms of PTSD. Even after the original trauma has long ended, the after-effects of traumatic events sometimes take on a life of their own. This presentation will include case studies of severely traumatized residential adolescent clients who have survived the effects of human trafficking (both abroad and domestically).
Outcomes:
1) Participants will learn specific ways in which sexual trauma affects the neurological functioning of the brain.
2) Participants will learn the classic DSM-5 symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
3) Participants will learn how sexual abuse in particular especially generates and exacerbates PTSD symptomology.