Training to focus on serving survivors of human trafficking

A fast growing, multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise, human trafficking leaves shattered lives in its wake. According to reports from the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio ranks fifth in the nation for incidents of trafficking. 

That’s why advocating for survivors is the focus of Community Legal Aid’s annual Break the Silence conference. This one-day training helps service providers identify and protect vulnerable populations surviving various forms of abuse.

“Survivors of human trafficking face unique challenges as they break free from exploitation,” explained Jeanne Charles, managing attorney for Legal Aid’s assistance to victims project. Charles added that those who are trafficked often face legal complications as a result of their victimization.

The training will be held online Tuesday, May 25th and will include topics such as:

• Identifying populations at-risk of exploitation

• Understanding the history of the use of language/terminology around slavery, and why it was connected to trafficking

• Examples of community collaborations that support survivors exiting a life of labor and sex  trafficking

• Recognizing coercive tactics used by traffickers

“Trafficking is a difficult topic to hear about,” shared Charles. “It’s hard to believe this happens right here in our own community, but it does. That’s why it’s really important that we talk about it and work together to assist at-risk populations and support survivors.”

Speakers for the training include:

• Hannah Estabrook, MA, LPCC-S, Co-Director of Porchlight

• Megan Mattimoe, JD, TRCC, Executive Director, Managing Attorney, Founder of Advocating Opportunity

• Kate D’Adamo, Partner of Reframe Health and Justice

• Gwen England, CATCH Court Program Leader

• Amber Pascol, CATCH Court Graduate 

• Erin Albright, JD, Internationally Recognized Anti-Trafficking Expert

The conference is open to professionals from all different service agencies including law enforcement, social workers, healthcare, attorneys, and victims assistance programs. 

“We believe that advocates will leave this conference with tools to better understand and assist those who come to us for help,” Charles said.

Anyone interested in learning more or registering can visit www.communitylegalaid.org/events.