Metaphorically, clouds and clocks represent two ends of the same spectrum. Clouds refer to the unpredictable, indeterminate, and/or irregular factors that might impact victim risk. While clocks represent the known and predictable risk factors associated with victims of human trafficking.
Explain the definition of sex trafficking and describe why this is a serious problem that needs our attention. Demonstrate why victims are not often identified as we look at a survivor’s police record to show the invisible signs of trafficking. Review and understand the mind of a survivor. Describe complex PTSD and why a survivor does not run from her trafficker, understand how resilience helps in recovery, and what the recovery process looks like.
Develop a multidisciplinary team approach for responding to child sex trafficking cases that result in prosecution. Discuss topics such as search warrants, what charges to bring and other considerations and/or prosecutions issues. Explore victim-centered approaches and strategies to deal with the unexpected.
Gain an understanding of child sex trafficking victim dynamics, perspectives on sex traffickers and how human trafficking is the second most profitable crime in the world. Case examples will be utilized throughout the course to highlight real world examples of child sex trafficking.
Gain a basic understanding of gang dynamics and the movement of gangs into the trafficking of children. Recognize the similarities and differences between gang related and gang motivated child sex trafficking versus traditional sex trafficking models as relates to recruiting, victimization, control and the methods of combating gang trafficking.
Criminal records of sex trafficking victims are known barriers to exiting sex trafficking situations. The link between committing crime while being a victim of sex trafficking, called forced criminality, has received little research attention. One aspect of forced criminality in sex trafficking situations includes ‘trick rolls’ which are the robberies of sex buyers. With the purpose of exploring forced criminality, this study examined 467 trick roll cases which are robberies conducted in a prostitution situation perpetrated by the sex seller, during one year in Las Vegas, Nevada. Trick roll cases involving sex trafficking victims were found to be more likely to involve multiple suspects (including their sex trafficker), begin at a bar/club or casino floor, involve the theft of more valuable items, more likely involve a weapon, and more likely to involve the injury of the sex buyer.
Child Protective Services (CPS) case workers encounter child sex trafficking victims during and following missing events in which extensive exploitation is occurring or has occurred. Examine when CPS has jurisdiction and a duty to investigate trafficking cases, along with why and how children go missing from care. Identify vulnerabilities and recognize factors which indicate sex trafficking. Often these recovered missing or abducted children do not disclose their exploitation when recovered or encountered by CPS. Analyze the bond the victim has with the trafficker and discover why disclosing is difficult for children. Identify approaches to protect children when you suspect trafficking but have no disclosure from the victim. Lastly, develop opportunities to collaborate with law enforcement and other professionals to identify and support CST victims.
Learn basic techniques and strategies to enhance the likelihood of obtaining information from possible victims of child sex trafficking. Compare and contrast typical child sexual abuse cases with child sex trafficking (CST) cases and address the different points of entry into the criminal justice and welfare system for CST victims. Understand various disciplines' roles and responsibilities and how they can contribute to a positive outcome of the CST case. Examine question strategy, interview dynamics, language use, and interview suggestions. Discuss the business model of child sex trafficking as it relates to a variety of crimes, including the use of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Hear first-hand from a survivor of gang sex trafficking, Allison, about the everyday life sacrifices made to make the moment livable. Discuss and gain insight into Allison’s survivor story of being sexually abused at a very young age, kidnapped by gang members, and forced into trafficking; and how her rescuer was, in fact, the real trafficker.
Learn about the free analytical resources available to identify and recover victims of child sex trafficking. Gather information about the resources and services offered by the Child Sex Trafficking Team (CSTT) at NCMEC, such as providing analytical support and completing comprehensive reports regarding possible child victims and their traffickers.
