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Community-driven research is key to creating evidence-based collaborative systems that meet the multifaceted needs of human trafficking survivors and address oppressions that create vulnerabilities to human trafficking. Programmes and solutions require money and evidenced-informed processes, or they risk investing in systems that will not meet the needs of the intended target populations. This paper reflects on how a community-initiated research project influenced funding to enhance anti-trafficking work in a Midwestern US state. We urge other regions to adopt this model of research and resource allocation in their own anti-trafficking efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the perceptions of most persons, sex trafficking is a recognized global human rights abuse. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has articulated a call to action with its four "P" policy agenda: prevent, protect, prosecute, and partnership (Office of Trafficking in Persons, 2017). Institutions of higher education are positioned to bolster these initiatives through research, work force and policy development, and education. It is our purpose with this article to begin a discussion within academic institutions and the field of sex trafficking to explore what actions might assist survivors who wish to pursue higher education as well as what protections should be in place to serve students who may become victimized while attending an institution of higher education. We consider human trafficking, the role of institutions of higher education, current policies related to colleges and universities, the vulnerability of college age individuals to potential trafficking, and the unique needs of those who exit trafficking and enter higher education. We offer some recommendations that will enable institutions to engage with and address the intersection of sex trafficking and higher education.

Summary: The U.S. Trafficking Victims' Protection Act of 2000 established specialized victims' services and law enforcement directives to protect victims/survivors of sex trafficking through investigation and aftercare services. Yet, gaps remain in our understanding of services needed and the best approaches to improve outcomes. Using cross-sectional electronic survey data from 107 service providers to human trafficking victims across Missouri, this study examines (1) victims' service needs, (2) agencies' ability to provide services, (3) victim sub-populations that agencies are able to serve, and (4) the rural/urban availability of anti-trafficking services. Findings: Service providers, including social workers, counselors, law enforcement, and medical professionals reported that the most needed services for victims included case management, counseling, crisis services, shelter, and medical assistance. However, out of 15 possible victim services, only two were provided in-house by the majority of agencies. Additionally, respondents identified populations they were frequently unable to serve including incarcerated victims, tribal victims of violence, and refugees and immigrants. Urban counties were served by a significantly higher mean number of respondents compared to rural counties. Applications: Findings raise concerns that some of the most critical services needed for best practice response may not be easily accessible for victims, particularly in rural regions. In addition, many providers are tasked with addressing multiple service needs with limited resources. Efforts to increase cross-discipline training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and funding for basic services are needed to ensure adequate and accessible services for survivors. Recommendations for future research and coordination of an effective response are noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although scholarship about human trafficking has grown in the last two decades, not much is understood about interpersonal dynamics in human trafficking experiences. This article explores human trafficking victims' (n = 31, female, international) perceptions of traffickers' interpersonal social power during the recruitment phase of the trafficking experience. Findings from this study revealed that entrapment factors and shared common characteristics between victim and trafficker prior to trafficking did little to influence perceptions of interpersonal social power among victims. Understanding victims' perceptions of interpersonal social power is critical to developing targeted prevention and intervention services for women at risk for becoming trafficked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Street-based sex work is criminalized throughout much of the U.S. Diversion programs have shown mixed results. This study examined the effect a quasi-experimental intervention (prostitution diversion program, n = 149) had on prostitution rearrest compared with a waitlist control group (n = 77) among N = 226 individuals arrested for prostitution in Baltimore. In both groups, n = 64 (28.32%) were rearrested for prostitution over 30 months. Tests of differences compared groups with a significant difference in gender only. A Cox proportional hazard model examined differences in survival time (to recidivist prostitution arrest) between individuals in the control and intervention groups at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months. Results indicate that participation in the intervention did not have a significant effect on decreasing prostitution arrests over time. History of prior prostitution arrest was a significant predictor (hazard ration [HR] = 1.12, p = .02) of rearrest.Lack of program success suggests that barriers to exiting prostitution are substantial, despite availability of supportive services, and that diversion programs may not be the best intervention strategy for all sex workers. Future research should identify motivators for exiting and how to reduce exiting barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typically examined in terms of understanding vulnerabilities to and the scope of human trafficking, not much is understood about interpersonal dynamics in human trafficking experiences. This article explores human trafficking victims' (n = 31, female, international) perceptions of traffickers' interpersonal social power during the exiting phase of the trafficking experience. Findings from this study revealed that entrapment factors and shared common characteristics between victim and trafficker prior to trafficking influenced perceptions of interpersonal social power. Understanding victims' perceptions of interpersonal social power is critical to developing trauma-informed targeted services for exiting assistance and aftercare services for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the prevalence of agencies serving sex workers in the United States, there are few program evaluations of supportive services. Phenomenological methods were used to explore the lived experiences of 13 sex workers receiving supportive services in a major city in the American Southwest. Results from this study suggest that clients find the trusted and supportive community within the agency especially helpful. Length of time with the agency influenced respondents’ perceptions of supportive services. Respondents, however, suggested improvements to services such as mentorship programs, opportunities for outreach participation, and services for male sex workers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]