Integrating Survivors Experiences for Better Prevention Design
Jessica Donohue-Dioh, PhD, MSW-LISW | September 19 | 1:30-2:30 PM
Topic: Research | Knowledge Level: Intermediate, Advanced | Location: Room 3020
Recently there have been concentrated efforts focusing on human trafficking prevention (ACF, 2016; Chang & Stoklosa, 2017). Current prevention efforts span various professional fields and expertise. Missing from prevention literature is the systematic inclusion of survivors’ through methodologically sound research (Murphy, Bennet, & Kottke, 2016). This study utilized Group Concept Mapping (GCM), a rigorous participatory mixed-method process adept in capturing stakeholder contributions, to explore human trafficking prevention. Having survivor contributions captured through rigorous research provides greater opportunities to utilize data. GCM draws upon a non-random, purposive sample of stakeholders: survivors of human trafficking (Kane & Trochim, 2007). Survivors are the originators of the data, determine the value of the data and identify ways in which the data should be presented and coalesced. Adult survivors of human trafficking (N=35) participated in brainstorming and rating/sorting sessions across three states. Survivors were asked to conceptualize human trafficking prevention. Results identified 10 distinct clusters, made up of 108 unique statements. Examples included: Education and Awareness, Social Services, and School Based Education. Survivor conceptualizations of prevention (statements) were also rated by participants across two variables, Importance and Feasibility. Participant ratings produced a high correlation between participants’ views of which data was important and which data was feasible (r = 0.91). Two significant outcomes of this study are the central focus on the inclusion and representation of survivors’ contributions and building an empirical knowledge base for preventing human trafficking. The analytical outputs are highly useful in influencing program development and modification. Dr. Justin “Jay” Miller, Associate Dean for Research & Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky, is a contributing author of this presentation.
Presentation Objectives:
· Emphasize survivor integration in research conceptualizing prevention strategies
· Discuss study findings and implications
· Identify key areas for prevention initiatives