Human Trafficking Identification and Response in
KB
Published · 77 slides · 0 views
1 / 1
Description
Human Trafficking Identification and Response in Maine Welcome Introductions and what to expect Facilitator Introduction Name Title, Organization Take Care of Yourselves Talking about human trafficking affects all of us Do what you need to
Related Topics
Share
Embed code
Download this presentation From Below
"Human Trafficking Identification and Response in" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this website for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Presentation Transcript
01
Human Trafficking Identification and Response in Maine<br>
02
Welcome Introductions and what to expect<br>
03
Facilitator Introduction Name
Title, Organization<br>
Title, Organization<br>
04
Take Care of Yourselves Talking about human trafficking affects all of us
Do what you need to do to take care of yourself
Advocates are available 24/7<br>
Do what you need to do to take care of yourself
Advocates are available 24/7<br>
05
Learning Objectives By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
Describe what human trafficking is and distinguish it from other forms of exploitation.
Understand risk factors, recruitment tactics, indicators, and barriers to disclosure.
Respond in a trauma-informed way by supporting safety, making appropriate referrals, and connecting people with available resources.<br>
Describe what human trafficking is and distinguish it from other forms of exploitation.
Understand risk factors, recruitment tactics, indicators, and barriers to disclosure.
Respond in a trauma-informed way by supporting safety, making appropriate referrals, and connecting people with available resources.<br>
06
Expectations for Training Participation is encouraged!
Ask questions, share your experiences, think out loud
Raise your hand, use the chat, or interrupt
Leave cameras on if possible
We will take a break at XXXX<br>
Ask questions, share your experiences, think out loud
Raise your hand, use the chat, or interrupt
Leave cameras on if possible
We will take a break at XXXX<br>
07
Understanding Human Trafficking Defining the Issue<br>
08
The Big Picture Human trafficking is a(n): Public health issue
Human rights violation Economic crime
Consequence of failed systems and structural inequities1<br>
Human rights violation Economic crime
Consequence of failed systems and structural inequities1<br>
09
Name Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. CASE STUDY (INTRODUCTION)<br>
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. CASE STUDY (INTRODUCTION)<br>
10
Name CASE STUDY (INTRODUCTION) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.<br>
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.<br>
11
Defining Human Trafficking Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000:
Criminal prosecution/penalties of traffickers
Immigration protections for foreign-born victims
Civil remedies and victim benefits
Legally defines severe forms of trafficking Any compelled activity, whether for labor, services, and/or commercial sex, where force, fraud, and/or coercive methods are used for gain
OR any minor involved in commercial sex2<br>
Criminal prosecution/penalties of traffickers
Immigration protections for foreign-born victims
Civil remedies and victim benefits
Legally defines severe forms of trafficking Any compelled activity, whether for labor, services, and/or commercial sex, where force, fraud, and/or coercive methods are used for gain
OR any minor involved in commercial sex2<br>
12
A Note on Language Whenever possible, follow the language a person uses for themselves.
Remember that someone may identify with both terms, neither, or something else. Victim and survivor are both commonly used terms in the anti-trafficking field.<br>
Remember that someone may identify with both terms, neither, or something else. Victim and survivor are both commonly used terms in the anti-trafficking field.<br>
13
AMP Model Act of
Recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, obtaining By means of (not required for minors in sex trafficking)
Force, fraud, coercion For the purpose of
Exploitation, involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, slavery2 A M P<br>
Recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, obtaining By means of (not required for minors in sex trafficking)
Force, fraud, coercion For the purpose of
Exploitation, involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, slavery2 A M P<br>
14
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) CSECOffering or giving something of value to a minor in exchange for sex acts2<br>
15
Trends in CSEC<br>
16
Sex Trafficking2
The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or solicitating of a person for the purpose of commercial sex acts in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age. Labor Trafficking2
The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, for the purposes of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage or slavery. VS.<br>
The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or solicitating of a person for the purpose of commercial sex acts in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age. Labor Trafficking2
The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, for the purposes of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage or slavery. VS.<br>
17
Discussion Why do you think sex trafficking receives more attention in the United States than labor trafficking?<br>
18
Labor Trafficking
Using force, fraud, or coercion to recruit, harbor, transport, obtain, or employ a person for labor or services in involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery
Not free to leave Labor Exploitation
Labor trafficking and labor exploitation are "exploitive" crimes
Poorly treated, not paid, labor violations, unsafe working conditions
“Free to leave" VS.<br>
Using force, fraud, or coercion to recruit, harbor, transport, obtain, or employ a person for labor or services in involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery
Not free to leave Labor Exploitation
Labor trafficking and labor exploitation are "exploitive" crimes
Poorly treated, not paid, labor violations, unsafe working conditions
“Free to leave" VS.<br>
19
VIDEOLabor Trafficking vs. Labor Exploitation4<br>
20
Industries Landscaping
Field labor
Manufacturing
Restaurants
Cleaning services
Drug trafficking
Dairy farming Retail
Pornography
Construction
Elder care
Herding/livestock
Childcare
Cosmetology Escorting
Hotels
Stripping
Transportation
Healthcare
Food processing
Massage parlors<br>
Field labor
Manufacturing
Restaurants
Cleaning services
Drug trafficking
Dairy farming Retail
Pornography
Construction
Elder care
Herding/livestock
Childcare
Cosmetology Escorting
Hotels
Stripping
Transportation
Healthcare
Food processing
Massage parlors<br>
21
Child Labor Youth employment
Office work
Retail
Restaurants
Grocery stores
Childcare
Cleaning
Domestic work
Agriculture The Fair Labor Standards Act sets the standards for youth employment federally, prioritizes education for youth, prohibits youth from working “hazardous” or “dangerous” jobs and establishes maximum number of hours worked5<br>
Office work
Retail
Restaurants
Grocery stores
Childcare
Cleaning
Domestic work
Agriculture The Fair Labor Standards Act sets the standards for youth employment federally, prioritizes education for youth, prohibits youth from working “hazardous” or “dangerous” jobs and establishes maximum number of hours worked5<br>
22
Child Labor Violations US Department of Labor reported an88% increase in child labor violations between 2019 and 2023.6
Violations may include:
Hazardous work
Excessive number of hours worked
Unreasonable schedule
Young children working
Improper compensation or lack of benefits
Lack of personal protective equipment 7<br>
Violations may include:
Hazardous work
Excessive number of hours worked
Unreasonable schedule
Young children working
Improper compensation or lack of benefits
Lack of personal protective equipment 7<br>
23
Commonly Confused Terms Human Trafficking
Crime against a person
Movement not required
Involuntary / nonconsensual
Not able to “leave” Exploitation
May be unfair; a violation; or an abuse of power
Elements of choice
Ability to leave
Spectrum of experiences Smuggling
Crime against a state or border
Illegal border crossing
Ends at destination
Voluntary, involves consent Commercial Sex (Prostitution)
Commercial or transactional sex is the exchange of money or goods for sexual services
Mix of choice and circumstance
Spectrum of experiences<br>
Crime against a person
Movement not required
Involuntary / nonconsensual
Not able to “leave” Exploitation
May be unfair; a violation; or an abuse of power
Elements of choice
Ability to leave
Spectrum of experiences Smuggling
Crime against a state or border
Illegal border crossing
Ends at destination
Voluntary, involves consent Commercial Sex (Prostitution)
Commercial or transactional sex is the exchange of money or goods for sexual services
Mix of choice and circumstance
Spectrum of experiences<br>
24
Trafficking Sex Labor Sexual Labor Unsexual Labor<br>
25
Experiences Range Choice Circumstance Coercion<br>
26
Human Trafficking in Maine What does it look like here?<br>
27
Discussion What have you seen or heard about human trafficking in your community?<br>
28
Maine Statistics Maine has a lack of formal trafficking data, but we can pull from several sources:
Maine Crime Victimization Surveys
Law enforcement and prosecution data
Service provider data<br>
Maine Crime Victimization Surveys
Law enforcement and prosecution data
Service provider data<br>
29
2022 Maine Crime Victimization Survey 3.2% of Maine adults reported experiencing human trafficking in their lifetime.
Sex trafficking – 0.8%
Labor trafficking – 2.1%
Both – 0.3%
Trafficking experiences were significantly more common among people of color (11.6%), people with household incomes under $25,000 (6.0%), and adults ages 18–44 (5.3%).<br>
Sex trafficking – 0.8%
Labor trafficking – 2.1%
Both – 0.3%
Trafficking experiences were significantly more common among people of color (11.6%), people with household incomes under $25,000 (6.0%), and adults ages 18–44 (5.3%).<br>
30
Law Enforcement and Prosecution Data Maine law enforcement reported only 2–3 arrests for commercial sex trafficking annually from 2021–2023.10
Between 2020 and 2023, federal prosecutors filed fewer than 5 new human trafficking cases per year in Maine—mostly sex trafficking.11<br>
Between 2020 and 2023, federal prosecutors filed fewer than 5 new human trafficking cases per year in Maine—mostly sex trafficking.11<br>
31
Service Provider Data Between FY 2020 and FY 2025, MECASA advocates served an average of 138 trafficking survivors per year
Since 2024, Preble Street Anti-Trafficking Services has served 236 trafficking survivors through intensive case management and more than 300 through outreach.<br>
Since 2024, Preble Street Anti-Trafficking Services has served 236 trafficking survivors through intensive case management and more than 300 through outreach.<br>
32
Disproportionately Affected Maine Industries Commercial sex
Cannabis grows
Hospitality
Fair work (e.g. carnivals)
Agriculture
Drug trafficking<br>
Cannabis grows
Hospitality
Fair work (e.g. carnivals)
Agriculture
Drug trafficking<br>
33
Maine Crimes in Statute Aggravated sex trafficking.
Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor person with a disability.
Aggravated forced labor.
Criminal forced labor.<br>
Commercial sexual exploitation of a minor person with a disability.
Aggravated forced labor.
Criminal forced labor.<br>
34
How Human Trafficking Happens Gaining and maintaining power and control<br>
35
Force
Violence
Kidnapping/abduction
Physical restraint Fraud
Bait and switch
Fake job opportunities
False promises of a better life
Lying about compensation or benefits Coercion
Threats of harm
Withholding basics like food, shelter, and climate appropriate clothing
Threats to inform lovedones, police, protective systems, or immigration authorities<br>
Violence
Kidnapping/abduction
Physical restraint Fraud
Bait and switch
Fake job opportunities
False promises of a better life
Lying about compensation or benefits Coercion
Threats of harm
Withholding basics like food, shelter, and climate appropriate clothing
Threats to inform lovedones, police, protective systems, or immigration authorities<br>
36
Recruitment Pathways 12<br>
37
Who Might Leverage Those Pathways?<br>
38
CASE STUDY (RECRUITMENT) Name Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.<br>
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.<br>
39
Forced Criminality A survivor’s involvement in crime is often a direct result of the coercion they experience at the hands of their traffickers.
Criminalization can take the form of:
Conviction of sex trafficking survivors
Penalization of trafficked foreign nationals for violating immigration laws
Arrest of individuals threatened with violence to produce/distribute drugs<br>
Criminalization can take the form of:
Conviction of sex trafficking survivors
Penalization of trafficked foreign nationals for violating immigration laws
Arrest of individuals threatened with violence to produce/distribute drugs<br>
40
Risk and Resiliency Understanding who is targeted and why<br>
41
Conditions that Foster Trafficking Unmet basic needsFood • housing • income • healthcare • transportation
Social isolation or exclusionLimited support • family/community disconnection • language barriers
Unstable or unsafe living conditionsHomelessness • displacement • community violence • extreme weather • inadequate shelter
Limited economic opportunitiesPoverty • job insecurity • limited access to safe work
Dependence on othersFor housing • income • caregiving • transportation • substances or medication<br>
Social isolation or exclusionLimited support • family/community disconnection • language barriers
Unstable or unsafe living conditionsHomelessness • displacement • community violence • extreme weather • inadequate shelter
Limited economic opportunitiesPoverty • job insecurity • limited access to safe work
Dependence on othersFor housing • income • caregiving • transportation • substances or medication<br>
42
Experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Migrating, relocating, or unfamiliar with a community.
Involved with foster care, juvenile justice, or other complex systems.
Leaving an abusive or unsafe relationship.
Looking for work with few accessible options. Circumstances that Traffickers ExploitPeople are often targeted when they are: Living with a disability or relying on others for care.
Experiencing substance use or dependence.
Disconnected from family, friends, or other supports.
Recovering from a disaster, displacement, or other major disruption.<br>
Migrating, relocating, or unfamiliar with a community.
Involved with foster care, juvenile justice, or other complex systems.
Leaving an abusive or unsafe relationship.
Looking for work with few accessible options. Circumstances that Traffickers ExploitPeople are often targeted when they are: Living with a disability or relying on others for care.
Experiencing substance use or dependence.
Disconnected from family, friends, or other supports.
Recovering from a disaster, displacement, or other major disruption.<br>
43
Discussion What circumstances might traffickers be likely to exploit in your community?<br>
44
Tribal CommunitiesFor American Indians and Alaska Native (AI/AN)… 44% of women Non-Native Americans commit of violent crimes against American Indian and Alaska Natives.14 will be raped in their lifetime. 6 in 10 women have experienced IPV. Murdered at more than 5x the national average.13 88%<br>
45
Substance Use Disorder Substance use is in the top 5 risk factors for both labor and sex trafficking. Supplying or introduction to substances
Withholding of drugs or substances
Drug-facilitated abuse
Threatening to report use or possession
Leveraging incurred drug debts
Exploiting an individual for their prescription(s)15<br>
Withholding of drugs or substances
Drug-facilitated abuse
Threatening to report use or possession
Leveraging incurred drug debts
Exploiting an individual for their prescription(s)15<br>
46
Name CASE STUDY (RISK FACTORS) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.<br>
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.<br>
47
Resiliency Factors Protection from abuse
Emotional connection
Belonging and acceptance
Aid or personal care
Medical care
Support system
Role models Financial opportunities
Low-barrier work and/or social mobility
Affordable housing
Education and vocational training Location free of violence or environmental harm
Political stability
Safe, livable climate Interpersonal Community / Societal Geographic<br>
Emotional connection
Belonging and acceptance
Aid or personal care
Medical care
Support system
Role models Financial opportunities
Low-barrier work and/or social mobility
Affordable housing
Education and vocational training Location free of violence or environmental harm
Political stability
Safe, livable climate Interpersonal Community / Societal Geographic<br>
48
Discussion What could be your role in building resiliency?<br>
49
Recognizing Human Trafficking Noticing signs, even without disclosure<br>
50
Indicators Signs of Abuse & Control
Monitoring, constant accompaniment, or restricted movement
Not allowed to speak or make decisions for self
Hyper-vigilance or flat affect
Memorized, scripted, or conflicting stories
Hyper-focused on phone or responding to someone
Shame about work or protects/justifies someone harmful
Visible power dynamics in housing
Evidence of punishment
Quotas, debt, or contracts
Branding or tattoos associated with control Unexplained Finances
Travel, hotels, services, cash, or valuables without apparent means
Lack of control over finances
Poorly paid or unpaid
Fines, wage theft, or unexplained deductions
Lack of employment or payment records Health Impacts
Unexplained injuries or bruises at different stages of healing
Frequent reproductive healthcare needs
Malnutrition or dehydration
Occupational injuries or harmful chemical exposure Work & Living Conditions
Excessive or unusual work hours
Live-in employment
Unsafe or inadequate housing or working conditions
Limited access to basic needs, PPE, or medical care
Inappropriate clothing for weather or situation
Multiple phones or social media solicitations<br>
Monitoring, constant accompaniment, or restricted movement
Not allowed to speak or make decisions for self
Hyper-vigilance or flat affect
Memorized, scripted, or conflicting stories
Hyper-focused on phone or responding to someone
Shame about work or protects/justifies someone harmful
Visible power dynamics in housing
Evidence of punishment
Quotas, debt, or contracts
Branding or tattoos associated with control Unexplained Finances
Travel, hotels, services, cash, or valuables without apparent means
Lack of control over finances
Poorly paid or unpaid
Fines, wage theft, or unexplained deductions
Lack of employment or payment records Health Impacts
Unexplained injuries or bruises at different stages of healing
Frequent reproductive healthcare needs
Malnutrition or dehydration
Occupational injuries or harmful chemical exposure Work & Living Conditions
Excessive or unusual work hours
Live-in employment
Unsafe or inadequate housing or working conditions
Limited access to basic needs, PPE, or medical care
Inappropriate clothing for weather or situation
Multiple phones or social media solicitations<br>
51
Name CASE STUDY (BARRIERS TO DISCLOSURE) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.<br>
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.<br>
52
Barriers to DisclosureWhat Needs Could/Are being Met? Love or partnership
Sense of self-worth
Sense of belonging
Racial / ethnic belonging
Parent-like figure
Protection/security Basic Needs
Shelter / housing
Financial advantages
Supply of alcohol/substances
Childcare and/or parent to child(ren) Psychological Environmental<br>
Sense of self-worth
Sense of belonging
Racial / ethnic belonging
Parent-like figure
Protection/security Basic Needs
Shelter / housing
Financial advantages
Supply of alcohol/substances
Childcare and/or parent to child(ren) Psychological Environmental<br>
53
Working with Trafficking Survivors Supporting the person in front of you<br>
54
Trauma activates our survival response: Neurobiology of Trauma When the survival response is activated:
Threat detection takes priority
Logical thinking and future planning may become harder
Memory may be fragmented or out of sequence Fight Flight Freeze Fawn The stress response is normal, adaptive, and protective when we perceive danger<br>
Threat detection takes priority
Logical thinking and future planning may become harder
Memory may be fragmented or out of sequence Fight Flight Freeze Fawn The stress response is normal, adaptive, and protective when we perceive danger<br>
55
This might look like:
Hypervigilance or shutting down
Nonlinear memories or timelines
Difficulty trusting people, providers, or systems
Disconnection or difficulty trusting oneself
Feelings of helplessness Trauma and Survival Repeated trauma can affect how someone understands themselves, other people, and the world around them. Substance use or other survival strategies
Love, loyalty, or attachment to someone causing harm
Returning to a trafficking situation after leaving<br>
Hypervigilance or shutting down
Nonlinear memories or timelines
Difficulty trusting people, providers, or systems
Disconnection or difficulty trusting oneself
Feelings of helplessness Trauma and Survival Repeated trauma can affect how someone understands themselves, other people, and the world around them. Substance use or other survival strategies
Love, loyalty, or attachment to someone causing harm
Returning to a trafficking situation after leaving<br>
56
Physical Space
Meet privately whenever possible
Consider exits, seating, personal space, and physical barriers
Minimize unnecessary noise, interruptions, and people
Ask before touching
Offer breaks and opportunities to move or reposition
Access to Resources
Attend to immediate needs like food, water, clothing, or medical care
Use a trained interpreter when needed
Make information and communication accessible
Explain what resources are available without pressure
Support access to trusted people or supports when desired Trauma-Informed PracticeEnvironment<br>
Meet privately whenever possible
Consider exits, seating, personal space, and physical barriers
Minimize unnecessary noise, interruptions, and people
Ask before touching
Offer breaks and opportunities to move or reposition
Access to Resources
Attend to immediate needs like food, water, clothing, or medical care
Use a trained interpreter when needed
Make information and communication accessible
Explain what resources are available without pressure
Support access to trusted people or supports when desired Trauma-Informed PracticeEnvironment<br>
57
Check Your Assumptions Consider Your Communication Support Autonomy Trauma-Informed PracticeInteraction<br>
58
Consider Your Communication Support Autonomy Trauma-Informed PracticeInteraction Check Your Assumptions Notice your own reactions and assumptions
Don't equate survival responses with dishonesty or noncompliance
Don't assume what safety or a “good” decision should look like
Recognize coping strategies as adaptations to difficult circumstances<br>
Don't equate survival responses with dishonesty or noncompliance
Don't assume what safety or a “good” decision should look like
Recognize coping strategies as adaptations to difficult circumstances<br>
59
Support Autonomy Trauma-Informed PracticeInteraction Check Your Assumptions Consider Your Communication Go low and slow - quieter voice, slower pace, fewer questions
Explain why you’re asking questions
Use the person's language
Be authentic, transparent, and nonjudgmental
Don't require eye contact or other signs of engagement
Acknowledge the difficulty of talking<br>
Explain why you’re asking questions
Use the person's language
Be authentic, transparent, and nonjudgmental
Don't require eye contact or other signs of engagement
Acknowledge the difficulty of talking<br>
60
Trauma-Informed PracticeInteraction Check Your Assumptions Consider Your Communication Support Autonomy Offer choice and control whenever possible
Ask permission before taking action
Respect decisions you may not agree with
Don't push for disclosure
Allow trust to develop over time
Validate their coping skills<br>
Ask permission before taking action
Respect decisions you may not agree with
Don't push for disclosure
Allow trust to develop over time
Validate their coping skills<br>
61
Responding Safely BELIEVERespond without judgment and take concerns seriously.
ASSESSGather only the information you need to understand immediate needs and safety.
DEFERCenter the person's priorities, choices, and expertise in their own life.
SAFETY PLANExplore options based on what safety means to them.
REFEROffer information and support connections to appropriate resources.<br>
ASSESSGather only the information you need to understand immediate needs and safety.
DEFERCenter the person's priorities, choices, and expertise in their own life.
SAFETY PLANExplore options based on what safety means to them.
REFEROffer information and support connections to appropriate resources.<br>
62
Importance of Believing Survivors How you respond to disclosure matters.
Communicate that you hear them and take their experience seriously
Avoid skepticism, interrogation, or challenging details
Remember that your response may affect whether they seek help again When you can say it directly:“I’m really glad you told me. I believe you.” When belief isn’t yours to determine:“Thank you for telling me. No one deserves to be exploited or treated poorly. I’m going to look into this.”<br>
Communicate that you hear them and take their experience seriously
Avoid skepticism, interrogation, or challenging details
Remember that your response may affect whether they seek help again When you can say it directly:“I’m really glad you told me. I believe you.” When belief isn’t yours to determine:“Thank you for telling me. No one deserves to be exploited or treated poorly. I’m going to look into this.”<br>
63
Create the conditions for disclosure. Role as an Assessor Assess, don’t investigate. Offer options, not instructions.<br>
64
Resources Who’s available to help?<br>
65
Maine Resources Advocacy and Support
Anti-trafficking service providers
Culturally specific services
Safety planning and basic needs support Housing and Economic Support
Emergency and longer-term housing
Employment and workforce services
Public benefits and other financial supports Legal Assistance and Protections
Civil legal assistance
Immigration legal services Financial Recovery
Human Trafficking Emergency Fund
Victims’ compensation
Restitution and recovery of unpaid wages or other damages Criminal Justice
Law enforcement reporting
Investigation and prosecution (both state and federal)<br>
Anti-trafficking service providers
Culturally specific services
Safety planning and basic needs support Housing and Economic Support
Emergency and longer-term housing
Employment and workforce services
Public benefits and other financial supports Legal Assistance and Protections
Civil legal assistance
Immigration legal services Financial Recovery
Human Trafficking Emergency Fund
Victims’ compensation
Restitution and recovery of unpaid wages or other damages Criminal Justice
Law enforcement reporting
Investigation and prosecution (both state and federal)<br>
66
Maine’s Statewide Anti-Trafficking Infrastructure<br>
67
Start with what you’re hearing
Name your concern without labeling the experience
You don’t have to know what to call the experience to connect someone with support.
Ask permission before offering a connection
“Some of what you’re describing concerns me. There are people who work with situations like this and can help you think through your options. Are you open to learning more about them?”
Explain what the provider can offer – call/Google in advance if you need a refresher
Make a warm referral
Call together or help make the connection
Share only what the person agrees to share How to Make a Referral<br>
Name your concern without labeling the experience
You don’t have to know what to call the experience to connect someone with support.
Ask permission before offering a connection
“Some of what you’re describing concerns me. There are people who work with situations like this and can help you think through your options. Are you open to learning more about them?”
Explain what the provider can offer – call/Google in advance if you need a refresher
Make a warm referral
Call together or help make the connection
Share only what the person agrees to share How to Make a Referral<br>
68
Other Maine Resources Department of Labor
Maine Human Rights Commission
Wabanaki Women’s Coalition
Immigrant Resource Center of Maine
Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project
Pine Tree Legal Assistance
**Law enforcement
**Department of Health and Human Services
Local human trafficking multidisciplinary teams<br>
Maine Human Rights Commission
Wabanaki Women’s Coalition
Immigrant Resource Center of Maine
Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project
Pine Tree Legal Assistance
**Law enforcement
**Department of Health and Human Services
Local human trafficking multidisciplinary teams<br>
69
Collaboration Matters Know your role
Stay within your scope and expertise
Don’t try to meet every need yourself
Know your confidentiality obligations before you need them
Know your resources
Learn who does what in your community
Build relationships before you need them
Make warm referrals to specialized providers
Get connected
Learn about your local multidisciplinary team (MDT) by contacting info@mecasa.org
Join if trafficking response is an ongoing part of your work
Use the team for coordination, shared learning, and access to specialized expertise<br>
Stay within your scope and expertise
Don’t try to meet every need yourself
Know your confidentiality obligations before you need them
Know your resources
Learn who does what in your community
Build relationships before you need them
Make warm referrals to specialized providers
Get connected
Learn about your local multidisciplinary team (MDT) by contacting info@mecasa.org
Join if trafficking response is an ongoing part of your work
Use the team for coordination, shared learning, and access to specialized expertise<br>
70
Closing and Reflections Wrapping up our time together<br>
71
Name CASE STUDY (SELF-DETERMINATION) Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.<br>
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.<br>
72
Trafficking is about power and control.
Not a particular type of person, industry, or experience. Key Takeaways Respect autonomy.
People have the right to make decisions about their own lives. Support options, not outcomes.
Understand what needs are being met and help expand safe alternatives. Use power with, not power over.
Avoid recreating dynamics of force, fraud, or coercion. Know your role.
Recognize concerns, respond safely, and connect people with specialized support. Stay curious and keep learning.
Trafficking is complex, and no one needs to know everything.<br>
Not a particular type of person, industry, or experience. Key Takeaways Respect autonomy.
People have the right to make decisions about their own lives. Support options, not outcomes.
Understand what needs are being met and help expand safe alternatives. Use power with, not power over.
Avoid recreating dynamics of force, fraud, or coercion. Know your role.
Recognize concerns, respond safely, and connect people with specialized support. Stay curious and keep learning.
Trafficking is complex, and no one needs to know everything.<br>
73
Continued Reflection What are the continued conversations your organization can have to better identify and meet the needs of survivors of human trafficking?<br>
74
Learn More: MaineSTEN.org PolarisProject.org FreedomNetworkUSA.org FrameworkTA.org<br>
75
Evaluation<br>
76
Bibliography United States District Attorney’s Office, District of Rhode Island. (2025). Human trafficking. https://www.justice.gov/usao-ri/human-trafficking
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. § 7101 et seq.; 18 U.S.C. §§ 1581–1597)
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (2025.) CyberTipline reports by reported incident type (2025). https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline/cybertiplinedata
COPS Office. (2022.) Labor trafficking versus labor exploitation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN0e0RC3Zu0
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. §§ 201–219; 29 C.F.R. Part 570.
U.S. Department of Labor. (2024). US Department of Labor, New Jersey Department of Labor strategic enforcement initiative combats illegal child labor. https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20241001?utm_
Sherer, J., & Mast, N. (2023). Child labor laws are under attack in states across the country: Amid increasing child labor violations, lawmakers must act to strengthen standards. https://www.epi.org/publication/child-labor-laws-under-attack/
Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards. (2025). Report on child labor in Maine. https://legislature.maine.gov/doc/11580
Murray, C., Dumont, R., & Shaler, G. (2022). 2022 Maine crime victimization report: Informing public policy for safer communities. https://bpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/wpsites.maine.edu/dist/2/115/files/2023/01/2022-Maine-Crime-Victimization-Report_Final.pdf
Maine State Police. (n.d.). Crime in Maine. https://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/about/maine-crime
Human Trafficking Institute. (n.d.). Maine. https://traffickinginstitute.org/state-reports/me/
Polaris. (2022). Polaris analysis of 2020 data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline. https://polarisproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Polaris-Analysis-of-2020-Data-from-the-National-Human-Trafficking-Hotline.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Violence against Native peoples fact sheet. https://www.cdc.gov/injury-tribal/media/pdfs/2025/06/violence-against-native-peoples-fact-sheet.pdf
Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2004). American Indians and crime: A BJS statistical profile, 1992–2002. https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/american-indians-and-crime-bjs-statistical-profile-1992-2002
Polaris. (2020). 2019 U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline data report. https://polarisproject.org/2019-us-national-human-trafficking-hotline-statistics/<br>
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. § 7101 et seq.; 18 U.S.C. §§ 1581–1597)
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. (2025.) CyberTipline reports by reported incident type (2025). https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline/cybertiplinedata
COPS Office. (2022.) Labor trafficking versus labor exploitation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YN0e0RC3Zu0
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 29 U.S.C. §§ 201–219; 29 C.F.R. Part 570.
U.S. Department of Labor. (2024). US Department of Labor, New Jersey Department of Labor strategic enforcement initiative combats illegal child labor. https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20241001?utm_
Sherer, J., & Mast, N. (2023). Child labor laws are under attack in states across the country: Amid increasing child labor violations, lawmakers must act to strengthen standards. https://www.epi.org/publication/child-labor-laws-under-attack/
Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards. (2025). Report on child labor in Maine. https://legislature.maine.gov/doc/11580
Murray, C., Dumont, R., & Shaler, G. (2022). 2022 Maine crime victimization report: Informing public policy for safer communities. https://bpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/wpsites.maine.edu/dist/2/115/files/2023/01/2022-Maine-Crime-Victimization-Report_Final.pdf
Maine State Police. (n.d.). Crime in Maine. https://www.maine.gov/dps/msp/about/maine-crime
Human Trafficking Institute. (n.d.). Maine. https://traffickinginstitute.org/state-reports/me/
Polaris. (2022). Polaris analysis of 2020 data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline. https://polarisproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Polaris-Analysis-of-2020-Data-from-the-National-Human-Trafficking-Hotline.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Violence against Native peoples fact sheet. https://www.cdc.gov/injury-tribal/media/pdfs/2025/06/violence-against-native-peoples-fact-sheet.pdf
Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2004). American Indians and crime: A BJS statistical profile, 1992–2002. https://bjs.ojp.gov/library/publications/american-indians-and-crime-bjs-statistical-profile-1992-2002
Polaris. (2020). 2019 U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline data report. https://polarisproject.org/2019-us-national-human-trafficking-hotline-statistics/<br>