by Brooke Hall
A panel of experts spoke to a packed Summerville Room on Jan. 23 about human trafficking prevention, and how to help survivors and prosecute traffickers. The event was cosponsored by the IU Columbus Criminal Justice Club and Feminism Club.
Panelist included:
- Elizabeth Carlson, Special Agent, Indianapolis Division of FBI
- Jay Fredrick, Detective, Columbus Police Department
- Lindsey Holden-Kay, Bartholomew County Prosecuting Attorney
- Meagan Cunningham, Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program (ITVAP) Region 5 Coalition Coordinator
- Roseanne Houtz, Forensic Nurse Examiner
The experts agreed with the definition of human trafficking as “the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit,” which was shared on the event handout, created by IU Columbus Criminal Justice student Sierra Huffman.
Panelists, sharing all different perspectives, had many of the same recurring concerns.
- Trafficking can be difficult to spot and even harder to prove. They emphasized the need for continuing education among social services staff and the community to recognize potential trafficking situations.
- Victims are typically extremely vulnerable and may be reluctant to receive help. Many are part of the foster care system or newly aged out of it. Substance abuse, intellectual disabilities, mental illness and homelessness are often used to exploit victims.
- Human trafficking isn’t like you see in the movies.
Carlson, with the FBI, said victims aren’t being kidnapped out of parking lots and chained up in basements. “These are kids looking for someone to love them and a roof over their heads.”
Cunningham, who specializes in community outreach and education, noted that 90 percent of victims are trafficked by someone who knows them, and many were first exploited by their family members.
Trafficking offenders don’t have a specific look or fit a certain stereotype, noted Bartholomew County Prosecuting Attorney Holden-Kay, “It’s simply someone who is willing to exploit someone else.”
Houtz, who works directly with survivors on the streets of Cincinnati, added, “It’s not the creepy guy in the van, it could be the one in the BMW or your next-door neighbor.” She encouraged everyone to call the police if you encounter a situation that seems off, noting that you can report anonymously or just ask for a wellness check on someone you’re worried about.
Representing law enforcement, Fredrick agreed. He added the importance of working with advocates, like those on the panel with him, to get victims the resources and support they need.
Panelists also answered questions about the need for more diversity in their field, as well as the problem of burnout among those in their profession and how to prevent it.
When looking ahead to how prevent human trafficking in our community, panels emphasized the importance of education to recognize red flags. They talked about providing better resources for vulnerable individuals, including trauma-informed health care. Houtz noted that it takes about two years, in her experience, to help survivors recover—and PTSD therapy is an essential element.
Cunningham noted the importance and significance of multidisciplinary teams—like the panel in the room—to improve communication, policies and procedures, and help remove barriers.
Everyone agreed that education and information sessions—like this one! —is a good first step in addressing the difficult issue of human trafficking.