Human Trafficking Summit 2023

Impacts of the TVPA: Survivors and the Fight Against Human Trafficking*

Presenters: Kristina Aiad-Toss, Attorney, Babin Law; Jennifer El-Kadi, Attorney, Babin Law

This presentation covers the history of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), its various amendments and the future of the statute, as well as its international reach. Also explored are the Child Abuse Victims’ Rights Act and other federal laws designed to protect survivors of human trafficking. The presenters also highlight how Ohio law and other states’ laws compare with the TVPA. 

* Due to a late change, this workshop replaces “Human Trafficking, Corporations and Remedies for Survivors: Holding Hotels Accountable for Profiting From Sex Trafficking”

Why People Solicit Sex 

Presenters: Christopher Stollar, Board Vice Chairman and Moderator of Solicitor Education Program, She Has a Name; Courtney Schmackers, Executive Director, She Has a Name

This workshop looks at 10 years of data captured from John School programs in central Ohio, helping to explain the reasons that solicitors purchase sex. Also included are a brief overview of human trafficking and an exploration of effective strategies for reducing the demand.

Trafficking for Forced Labor: Obligations of the State Legal Protections; Coercion; Victim-centered Services

Presenter: Reginald Frection, Ph.D., CEO of Ares Human Rights International

This workshop explores the current legal framework to prevent and prosecute trafficking for forced labor and the state’s obligations, both internationally and domestically, in combating the practice. It examines the issue of coercion, coercion’s impact on victims and the resulting implications for law enforcement, prosecutors and judges. Using case studies, Dr. Frection offers a holistic perspective to better identify, investigate, prosecute and provide the necessary support services to victims of forced labor. Attendees learn to articulate a broad concept of trafficking and methods of coercion in order to better identify victims, and to identify the services needed to support those trafficked for labor.

Hidden in Plain Sight: The Impact of Brain Injury on Survivors of Human Trafficking and the Programs That Serve Them 

Presenter: Rachel Ramirez, Director of Health and Disability Programs, Ohio Domestic Violence Network; Founder, Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury

Many human-trafficking victims experience terrible and traumatic physical violence — often directed at the head, neck and face, whether through blows to the head or strangulation. They also might experience an overdose that deprives the brain of oxygen and causes brain injury. Such brain injuries are rarely identified and almost never immediately treated, leading to short- and long-term physical, emotional and cognitive consequences that can affect every area of a person’s life. This workshop explores the innovative CARE framework for addressing brain injury developed jointly by the Ohio Domestic Violence Network and The Ohio State University. Participants learn how trafficking victims suffer head injuries, how to spot signs and symptoms of head injuries, and how to implement the CARE framework and use the CARE materials.

Ohio Department of Youth Services’ Statewide Response to Human Trafficking

Presenters: Maria Busch, Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS); Chelsea Gaffey, Human Trafficking Liaison, Ohio Department of Youth Services; Rebekkah O’Bryan, Anti-Trafficking Grant Coordinator, ODPS’ Office of Criminal Justice Services

From 2019 through 2021, the Ohio Department of Youth Services (ODYS) and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) identified 1,092 youth and adults as potential survivors of human trafficking. In this session, the presenters discuss the departments’ holistic responses to human trafficking by highlighting four key subjects: policy regarding the identification and response to individuals in juvenile correctional facilities and state-run prisons, the use of the ODYS human trafficking screening tool and the ODRC’s human trafficking screening tool, strategic statewide partnerships with anti-trafficking organizations and other agencies, and the importance of survivor-led prevention.

Frog in a Well

Presenter: Harold D’Souza, President, Eyes Open International

D’Souza sheds light on the “before,” “during” and “after” experiences of labor trafficking. Withstanding trauma, finding strength and rebuilding are key chapters in his story, which highlights how survivors can – and will – thrive. The workshop helps participants learn to identify victims and/or red flags of labor trafficking at restaurants, gas stations, motels, convenience stores, massage parlors and other places; gain an understanding of the challenges that victims face and the resources available in their recovery journey; and learn about solutions for victims, especially foreign nationals.

An IDEA Framework to Empower You to Empower Survivors (Freedom A La Cart)

Presenters: Vanessa Perkins, Workforce Development Program Manager, Freedom a la Cart; Tiandra Finch, Director of Programs, Freedom a la Cart

Are survivors being enabled or empowered through the advocacy services provided? Using real-life examples of less-obvious barriers experienced by people with trauma, workshop presenters discuss WITH survivors ways to identify such barriers and examine practical tactics to de-escalate and then empower a solution through a judgment-free approach. The presenters have a bit of fun engaging with participants while discussing difficult issues and sharing new ideas. The workshop helps attendees identify less-obvious barriers to gaining employment, achieving personal wellness, and being a productive member of society and thriving. It also teaches practical de-escalation practices; and how to use a practical framework-organized acronym to empower survivors.

Lessons Learned: Utilizing Victim-centered Approaches in Human Trafficking Cases

Presenters: Jennifer Sherfield, Forensic Interview Specialist, Homeland Security Investigations; Diane Siegel, Victim Assistance Specialist, Homeland Security Investigations

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has substantially modified its approach to human trafficking cases as the agency’s experiences with victims and the uniqueness of each investigation reinforce the importance of victim-centered investigations. This presentation focuses on the importance of providing expansive victim services and ways to meet the needs of both the victim and the investigation. Participants learn how to identify the dynamics of trafficking cases that require an approach that differs from those used for other victim-related crimes; how to approach such investigations in a victim-centered manner; and how to use HSI’s Victim Assistance Program in human trafficking cases.

Improving the Healthcare Response to Human Trafficking

Presenters: Jaclyn Rodriguez, SANE Coordinator, Illinois Attorney General’s Office; Erin Tendick, SANE Coordinator, Illinois Attorney General’s Office

A study of human trafficking survivors found that 57% had never been asked questions about trafficking or abuse during healthcare visits that occurred during the time they were being trafficked. And only 6% of healthcare professionals reported having treated a trafficking survivor during their career. There are many opportunities for healthcare systems to improve their identification and support of trafficking survivors. This workshop highlights projects being implemented in Illinois by sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs). Attendees learn about Illinois’ human trafficking healthcare subcommittees, standardized healthcare training, and resources for improving identification and response.

Intersectional and Ethical Practices: Serving Culturally Diverse Populations

Presenters: Rebecca Bundy, Staff Attorney and Client Advocate, Advocating Opportunity; Alondra Placencia-Romo, Client Advocate/Bilingual Paralegal, Advocating Opportunity; Kizzy Williams, Senior Client Advocate, Advocating Opportunity

No two human trafficking survivors have the same experiences and characteristics. Their unique identities, in turn, give rise to unique barriers and needs. This training addresses ways that service providers can adjust their approach to properly support the entire spectrum of survivors. Workshop presenters discuss practical methods for serving survivors by highlighting models embraced by Advocating Opportunity to better serve different populations. Likewise, they explore the many nuances of supporting culturally diverse populations and the micro- and macro-level changes needed to meet their equally diverse needs.

A Survivor Parent’s Journey

Presenter: Carolyn Kinkoph, Doctoral Candidate in Urban Studies and Public Affairs, Cleveland State University

Victimization is often hidden in plain sight, as underscored by Carolyn Kinkoph's struggle to recognize her daughter’s trafficking plight. Courtney appeared to be a high-functioning 29-year-old woman, but she denied victimization, hid mental-health symptoms, and lacked awareness of her own psychiatric and substance-use disorders. The failure of several safety-net systems resulted in her death in February 2022. A timeline provides insight into Courtney’s victimization. Carolyn’s story reinforces the need to break silos, coordinate efforts within and across systems, and build a multidisciplinary team to support victims with trauma-informed comprehensive care.

Leveraging States’ Buying Power to Reduce the Demand for Labor Trafficking

Presenter: Tony Talbott, Director, Abolition Ohio; Director of Advocacy, University of Dayton Human Rights Center

Public procurement policy (government purchasing) is a very powerful but underused tool to combat and prevent labor trafficking. Although the federal government has measures to ensure “clean” supply chains (federal acquisition regulations, for example), only a few states have laws concerning government procurement and trafficking. This workshop provides an overview of the issue, builds an argument for the importance of changes to state policies and presents findings from a comparative analysis of U.S. states’ public-procurement policies. In addition, some preliminary recommendations are offered to reduce labor exploitation in state government supply chains.

Ethical Storytelling and Empowering the Survivor Voice

Presenter: Alicia Ley, Program Coordinator, Collaborative to End Human Trafficking

Stories are a powerful force that create meaning and help shape our perspective of the world around us. Organizations within the anti-trafficking movement share stories to educate and inspire others. Ethical storytelling recognizes that it matters not only that stories are shared but also how they are shared. The ability to tell stories with an empowered survivor voice can impact both survivor and organizational resilience. This workshop helps attendees understand what ethical storytelling is and why it’s necessary within the anti-trafficking movement, identify practical ways to implement tenets of ethical storytelling that move beyond sensationalism, and identify practical ways to empower survivor voices while also avoiding the pitfalls of tokenism and revictimization.

Understanding and Utilizing Familial Undercover Ads

Presenters: Daniel Haueter, Detective, East Palestine Police Department/Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force; Jean-Philippe Riguad, BCI Special Agent, Ohio Attorney General’s Office/Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force

A growing number of men have developed a penchant for familial trafficking victims, often turning to familial ads posted on the prostitution websites of mothers trafficking minor daughters. Indeed, prostitution and fetish websites have drastically fueled the demand for familial trafficking. The mindset of a man targeting minors individually differs from that of a man targeting a minor in a familial-trafficking setting. This workshop explores how investigators and others in law enforcement can turn the tables on offenders by using familial ads to combat such crime. The presenters explain the history of online familial trafficking, demonstrate how to create a familial ad on a prostitution website, explore chat conversations, and outline the special requirements for this type of investigation and the eventual interview.

Trauma-Informed Approach to Patients in the Health Care and Advocacy Systems 

Presenters: Ruth Downing, Director of Project Development, Forensic Nursing Network; Christi Scott Bargman, Founder, Eyes Up Appalachia; Heather Mitchell, Direct Service Supervisor, Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program; Stephanie Rollins, Case Manager, Salvation Army

Health-care environments are often busy, congested and fast-moving – all of which make it challenging to identify the signs of human trafficking and to interact with a potential victim. What’s more, rarely is there a warm handoff of victim to advocate to connect the victim to services. In this simulation, presenters demonstrate two scenarios in which healthcare and advocacy interact with a patient who shows signs of trafficking. They also explain how to meet the patient where she/he is and offer services. A survivor provides feedback during the scenarios. Workshop attendees gain confidence for future interactions with potential victims and learn skills to provide trauma-informed care to these vulnerable individuals.

Trauma Recovery Centers: Survivor Healing, Empowerment and Leadership 

Presenters: Candace S. Williams, Ohio State Director, Alliance for Safety and Justice; Stephen Massey, Executive Director, CitiLookout Trauma Recovery Center; Haleigh Young, Human Trafficking Survivor and Survivor Advocate

The effects of trauma can be persistent and devastating for human trafficking victims. The Alliance for Safety and Justice advocates for safety solutions rooted in crime prevention, community health, rehabilitation and support for crime victims. Trauma recovery centers (TRCs) aid victims in underserved communities by combining assertive outreach and trauma-informed mental-health services and support with practical needs that create stability. CitiLookout uses coordinated, multidisciplinary teams in a culturally responsive framework to help break cycles of violence and prevent re-victimization so that trafficking survivors are empowered through healing. This workshop defines “trauma recovery center” and explains how it positively impacts mental health and wellness; explains how the core elements of the TRC model increase access to multidisciplinary, trauma-informed quality care that promotes healing and empowerment for victims; and addresses how TRC partnerships with law enforcement, corrections officials, courts and community groups improve communities and public safety.

Preventing and Supporting Youth in Foster Care as It Relates to Human Trafficking 

Presenters: Elisha McNeal, Director of Community Engagement and Training, Gracehaven; Hannah Swift, Supervising Case Manager, Gracehaven

Statistics say that 60% of youth who have been trafficked are part of the foster care system. Given that more than half of the victims of domestic sex trafficking of minors are in foster care or residential group homes, there is a clear need for education on how to identify, care for and develop a healthy rapport with these individuals. This workshop highlights the challenges to developing that rapport and provides helpful strategies for overcoming the obstacles and cultivating healthy relationships with these youth.