Online Workshop: Understanding Domestic Sex Trafficking for Youth Work

Experts agree that not only has human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation become a major issue within Canada, but there have been few attempts to address this issue. Labeled one of the “fastest growing crimes in the province,” (Toronto Star, 2015), domestic sex trafficking has taken hold in Ontario recently and has become a hub for major trafficking routes (Gabrielle et al., 2014).

This workshop will define domestic sex trafficking and debunk common myths and misconceptions to paint a picture of what human trafficking for youth looks like in an Ontario context. The instructor will speak to her lived experience as a survivor of domestic sex trafficking in a way to help participants understand what domestic sex trafficking looks like and the vulnerabilities that could make someone susceptible to being trafficked. This is done to further explain the stages of commercial exploitation focusing on why young people stay with their traffickers and the difficulties faced when exiting.

Karly Church will discuss warning signs to equip youth workers with insight on how to identify the red flags of trafficking. Information on trauma and the brain will be provided, explaining how relational trauma is a contributing factor to the susceptibility of trafficking. She will speak to the importance of meeting young people’s basic needs, and the supports and services available to assist in meeting these needs.

Information will be provided around interventions that have been most successful in supporting youth survivors from a trauma-informed "client" centered approach. These will be explained using the stages of change model with an explanation of how interventions are catered to where youth are identified in the stages. Karly will also speak to the importance of collaboration with other service providers and touch on the court process, and long-term supports.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define domestic sex trafficking
2. Examine the stages of commercial sexual exploitation
3. Identify risk and vulnerability factors as well as sex trafficking warning signs/indicators for young people
4. Understanding best practices for intervention and engagement with survivors

This workshop is presented by YouthREX and SafeGuards and will be facilitated by Karly Church.

Register for this free workshop today! Spots are limited.

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Karly Church is an anti-trafficking advocate, crisis counsellor and well-known speaker. She is known for her work on the issue of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking and has been a leader in helping shift the perception of trafficked girls from criminals to victims and now to survivors and leaders. Karly is a graduate of two college programs including the Social Service Worker Program as well as the Addictions Counsellor Program. She harnesses her lived experience, extensive knowledge of trauma-informed care and harm reduction, along with her passion to engage and work with survivors. Karly is the recipient of the Jennifer O’Connell Women of Distinction Award for her dedication to supporting marginalized women and girls.