Survivors' Visions: Priority Prevention of Human Trafficking

Background and Purpose: Current human trafficking estimates indicate it is one of the most wide spread (~25 million) and fastest growing human rights exploitations (ILO, 2017). Since the passage of the first federal legislation addressing human trafficking comprehensively (TVPA, 2000), there have been countless organizations and hundreds of millions of dollars dedicated to a 3P paradigm of Protection, Prosecution and Prevention. It has only been in the last 3-5 years that the third P of Prevention has been taken more seriously, with resources and a concerted effort to bolster those efforts. Furthermore, recognition and acceptance of the expertise of survivor leadership, input and guidance in how to combat human trafficking has finally taken hold. This study aims to identify and analyze critical areas of prevention, brought forward by survivors, for implementation by organizations and professionals in the anti-human trafficking movement.

Methods: The study utilized brainstorming sessions in combination with rating systems and cross-variable analysis. Qualitative data collected during brainstorming represented survivors unique contributions and was not edited for content or relevance by the researcher. This study worked with 35 adult (20-64 YOA) survivors of both sex (57%) and labor (43%) trafficking to identify concepts for the prevention human trafficking. Participants were recruited through community networks and represented a 5 state region. Participants represented diverse demographic according to characteristics such as gender, sexual orientation, national origin.

Results: Through systematic rating (1-5 highest) survivors identified 45 critical statements from an original N = 108 on prevention, which are the highest priority, and which the survivors believe the professional community is capable of realizing. Statements were determined as critical based upon meeting criteria of an above average rating for the mean score of all 108 statements according to two variables of interest, feasibility (m = 4.09) and importance (m = 4.46), with a strong correlation among participants (r = 0.91).

Conclusions and Implications: Implications for social workers and the anti-human trafficking field are numerous. Among the critical prevention data, identified by survivors, it is most notable that all statements by their nature are 1) easily accessible, 2) provide clear direction for professionals and are 3) translation in nature. Social workers and conference participants will have an opportunity to receive this information which can easily be implemented in the development of new programs, as well as blending into existing programs. Statements include, but are not limited to recommendations in education, improved social services, and improved resources and institutional processes. During the oral presentation attendees will be able to review all statements in detail. Attendees will be provided recommendations on prevention, as determined by survivors a mixed methodological approach, which they may utilize and implement within common social work practice environments, engaging the community, particularly those who may be vulnerable. As a key component in addressing this public health crisis, research and data must be wide spread and accessible for those most at need. This oral presentation is a first step in disseminating to a larger professional audience, ultimately reaching local communities throughout the nation.