2nd Annual Medical Symposium on
Human Trafficking



February 4 - 8, 2020







2019 - 2020 MEDICAL STUDENT COORDINATORS



Founders:
Students Fighting Human Trafficking @ VCU



Tawany Almeida



Co-Chair, Research


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SidDHARTH HARIHARAN



Fundraising Chair for Student Activities


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CaiTLIN HAUSER



Marketing & Advertising Chair


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Alina NAQVI



Outreach Liaison


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SARA Poirier



Research Chair


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Hannah Rak



Chair of Logistics


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Medical SYMPOSIUM OVERVIEW





Human Trafficking is a growing crime and public health issue. Victims suffer various forms of physical and mental abuse over days, weeks, months, even years, causing health problems that are far-reaching and long-lasting. Victims are accessing medical care while they are being trafficked but oftentimes are not recognized by medical staff due to a lack of provider awareness and training. Our symposium will address this serious knowledge gap by educating health care providers on recognition and response so that survivors have the chance and choice to access freedom, safety and restoration.


PODCAST: Health Workers Step Up to Help Victims of Human Trafficking
Building a Program for Trafficking Survivors

Introduction to Human Trafficking



Tuesday, February 4, 2020 9 - 9:45 AM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





This presentation will provide attendees with a basic understanding of what human trafficking is (and is not), awareness of how it presents in the United States, how to recognize it, and how it relates to health care. Pesentations will be led by our medical student interns.


* Those new to the subject matter should take this class prior to attending any of the listed lectures / workshops . All lectures are designed for those already familiar with the nature and scope of human trafficking and have experience working with victims of abuse and violence.


About Our Speakers
Human Trafficking: The Facts
Look Beneath the Surface
General Awareness Videos

Human Trafficking in the Media: Debunking the Myths



Tuesday, February 4, 2020 10 - 10:45 AM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





By far the most pervasive myth about human trafficking is that it always - or often - involves kidnapping or otherwise physically forcing someone into a situation. This stereotype is perpetuated in the media and in movies like TAKEN. In reality, most-often, human trafficking is a gradual process where most victims are groomed and lured by someone they know who uses control tactics such as alternating affection with tricking, defrauding, manipulating and threats to victims into providing commercial sex or exploitative labor. Our student interns will discuss the disconnect between the media portrayal of human trafficking and the reality of the problem.


About Our Speakers
Myths & Facts
Dispelling the Myths
A Reality Check About Child Trafficking

The Power of Framing Human TraFFIcking as a Public Health Issue



Tuesday, February 4, 2020 11 - 11:45 AM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





Human trafficking is a public health concern that affects individuals, families and entire communities across generations, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. There is little reliable data on the numbers of people affected by trafficking, though the advocacy organization Polaris reports that the total number nationally reaches into the hundreds of thousands when estimates of both adults and minors are combined. Learn why a Public Health Framework is the strongest scaffolding to fighting this overlooked, misunderstood, and growing form of human exploitation.


About Kellie Carlyle, PhD, MPH
About Alina Naqvi, M4
Human Trafficking is a Public Health Issue
Human Trafficking is a Public Health Issue: A Paradigm Expansion In the united States
ICD-10-CM Coding for Human Trafficking

Curricular development: sex trafficking, trauma-informed care, and adverse childhood experiences



Tuesday, February 4, 2020 12 N - 2 PM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th floor





Kristina will share her experiences as a third year medical student in creating a novel curriculum at her medical school on human trafficking. In this talk, she will present the basics of curricular content and how the project was received, as well as challenges she faced during development, adaptation, and implementation. After her lecture, she will lead a group discussion on strategies for gaining support in similar projects.


About Kristina Borham, MIV
ACE'S: IMPACT ON BRAIN, BODY AND BEHAVIOR
Connect with medical professionals advocating for survivors and learn about the latest research on human trafficking: HEALtrafficking.org

Research Initiatives on human trafficking @ VCU



Tuesday, February 4, 2020 2 - 2:45 PM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





Cheryl Bodamer PhD, MPH, RN, CHSE, Associate Professor, VCU SOM Center for Human Simulation and Patient Safety, will moderate a presentation on the innovative research her team is spearheading that aims to educate and train physicians and other health care providers on trauma-informed recognition and response to human trafficking in the medical setting.


About Our Speaker
Human Trafficking Search:
Global Resource Database
How To Get Good Data on Human Trafficking

Using The stages of change model to empower survivors



Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Break-out Sessions:
3 - 3:45 & 4 - 4:45 PM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





It is important to understand the mindset of a victim of human trafficking. The reason behind this is due in part to the amount of power and control a trafficker exerts on his/her victim which can create barriers to self-identification or leaving a trafficking situation. Most victims will not feel motivated to change if they feel they are not supported in their efforts or feel they must defend their actions. That said, a clinician's primary goal is not "to rescue" or seek disclosure, rather, to meet survivors where they are, build rapport, and move them toward healthier choices and behaviors in a spirit of shared decision-making. Our speakers will explain how applying the Stages of Change Model to our practice will help survivors feel respected and motivated to make the change necessary in their lives.


About Our Speakers
12 MIN VIDEO: Stages of Change Model
MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING SIMULATION: EVOKING COMMITMENT TO CHANGE

Survivor-Clinician Conversation:
How to build positive healthcare experiences for survivors of human trafficking



Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Break-out Sessions:
3 - 3:45 / 4 - 4:45 PM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





A clinician's approach to a victim should be gradual and nonthreatening; and building rapport is the first step in trauma-informed care. Join Survivor Expert Melissa Earley, BSN RN, in a Q & A on victim-centered approaches with Dr. Fidelma Rigby, Ob/Gyn, and Dr. Robin Foster, Pediatrics.


About Melissa Earley, BSN RN
About Fidelma Rigby, MD
About Robin Foster, MD
ADULT Survivor Perspectives on Health Care and Sex Trafficking
YOUTH PERSPECTIVES ON HEALTHCARE AND SEX TRAFFICKING

"Living in Survival Mode"



Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Breakout Sessions:
3 - 3:45 / 4 - 4:45 PM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





Poor mental health is the most dominant health problem in survivors of human trafficking because of the prolonged exposure to repetitive and unpredictable physical and psychological violence. The consequence of being commodified and monetized make mental health outcomes from trafficking even more devastating, far-reaching and long-lasting. Survivor Expert, Pamela Lynn Hock, will share what is is like to live with Complex-PTSD, and why clinical approaches that promote patient safety, autonomy, and control are crucial to a survivor's life-long healing and wellbeing.


About our Speaker Pamela L. Hock
Video training: Complex PTSD or C-PTSD
11 min Video: Difference between PTSD and C-PTSD

Introduction to human trafficking



Wed., February 5, 2020 9 - 9:45 AM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





This presentation will provide attendees with a basic understanding of what human trafficking is (and is not), awareness of how it presents in the United States, how to recognize it, and how it relates to health care. Pesentations will be led by our medical student interns.


* Those new to the subject matter should take this class prior to attending any of the listed lectures / workshops . All lectures are designed for those already familiar with the nature and scope of human trafficking and have experience working with victims of abuse and violence.


About our Speakers
Human Trafficking: The Facts
Look Beneath the Surface
General Awareness Videos

LGBTQ Youth and their vulnerability to sex trafficking



Wed., February 5, 2020 10 -10:45 AM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





LGBTQ youth are disproportionately affected by violence and stigmatization, making them more susceptible to the coercive influences of human trafficking. Alex Wagaman, PhD, will share her thoughts on a chapter titled "LGBTQ and their Vulnerability to Sex Trafficking" from the book "Human Trafficking is a Public Health Issue." According to the authors of the chapter, "This vulnerability stems, in part from, family rejection, abandonment, or emotional and physical abuse arising from homophobic or transphobic reactions of guardians." Dr. Wagaman will discuss the link between LGBTQ youth and human trafficking, how homelessness and sex trafficking intersect, and how justice and peace must be inextricably linked to solve the staggering disproportion of exploitation amongst LGBTQ youth.


About Our Speaker
LGBTQ and their Vulnerability to Sex Trafficking
True Colors United: A Collaborative Resource on LGBTQ Youth Homelessness 2019

The intersection of Domestic violence and human trafficking



Wed., February 5, 2020, 11-11:45 AM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





Many victims of human trafficking report that their trafficker is an intimate partner. A 2009 report from the U.S. State Department showed that “almost 70% of adult female trafficking victims experienced domestic violence prior to being trafficked.” It is important to recognize that human trafficking and domestic violence don’t occur in silos – rather, they both occur on a continuum of violence and the pattern of behaviors that both abusers and traffickers use to exert power and control over a victim can overlap. Despite the similarities, there are also differences. Our guest speakers, Tameika McCoy, MA, CA, and Dana Vandervelde, MSW, will discuss these differences so that we can properly identify victims and provide care and services that would most effectively meet their needs.


About Tameika McCoy
About Dana Vandervelde
The Myth of Choice
Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking: Advocacy at the Intersections

State of Affairs



Wed., February 5, 2020 12:30 - 2 PM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





Learn about Virginia's anti-trafficking efforts since the federal law criminalizaing human trafficking was passed by Congress (TVPA 2000). What have been our successes? Challenges? Where do we go from here? This discussion will be lead by Angella Alvernaz and Deanna Wallace. Ms. Alvernaz is Virginia's State Response Coordinator on Human Trafficking. Ms. Wallace is the Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Specialist for the Department of Homeland Security.


About Angella Alvernaz
About Deanna Wallace
Virginia Laws Targeting Labor and Sex Trafficking
Virginia Department of Education: Human Trafficking Prevention and Education in Schools

Latisha's House



Wed, February 5, 2020 2:30 - 4:30 PM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





Since 2014, Latisha's House has been helping women trapped in the sex industry find their way home. Once safe, the ladies acquire the tools to build bridges from their traumatic past to a positive future that heals, restores, and empowers.


While most services and beds for human trafficking victims are 30-90 days, Latisha's House is one of the few houses nationwide providing long-term residential, medical, psychological, holistic and educational support to adult female survivors of sex trafficking. Latisha's House operates with several rotating House Managers who provide trauma-informed guidance, mentorship, case management, 24-7 support including personal and medical advocacy.


Come meet the Founder and CEO of Latisha's House, Elizabeth Ameling, and learn why she is committed to establishing safe homes all over the United States.


About our Speaker
Latisha's House Foundation

Introduction to Human Trafficking



Thurs, February 6, 2020 9 - 9:45 AM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Fl





This presentation will provide attendees with a basic understanding of what human trafficking is (and is not), awareness of how it presents in the United States, how to recognize it, and how it relates to health care. Pesentations will be led by our medical student interns.


* Those new to the subject matter should take this class prior to attending any of the listed lectures / workshops . All lectures are designed for those already familiar with the nature and scope of human trafficking and have experience working with victims of abuse and violence.


About our Speakers
Human Trafficking: The Facts
Look Beneath the Surface
General Awareness Videos

Raise Your Voice to End Human Trafficking: Advocacy 101 For Medical Students



Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020 10 - 10:45 AM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





This session will provide an overview of how health professionals can use their voices as advocates to end human trafficking. Participants will receive a brief overview of policy solutions to address this public health crisis and learn about advocacy strategies aimed to prevent and terminate the demand for human trafficking.



About Our Speaker
It's Time for Physicians to Embrace Advocacy
Medical Student Perspectives on Advocacy

4-hour workshop: Establishing a Human Trafficking Response Program within a Health Care System



Thursday, February 6, 2020 12 - 4 PM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





“Nearly 88 percent of sex trafficking survivors have contact with a health care system while being exploited,” said Holly Gibbs, Director of the Dignity Health Human Trafficking Response Program and human trafficking survivor. “We believe health care providers can play a crucial role in identifying and supporting both labor and sex-trafficked persons. Our goal is to support as many survivors as possible, which is why we have, and will continue to, make these resources available to other health providers and care partners online at no cost.”


Jennifer Cox and Santhosh Paulus, MD, will share how their hospital systems are responding to human trafficking and sustaining a culture of prevention and survivor care. Topics include establishing hospital protocols and system-wide training, creating a "medical home" for survivors of human trafficking, forging community partnerships, and contributing to graduate medical education and research.


About our Speaker: Jennifer Cox
About our Speaker: Santhosh Paulus, MD
VIDEO: Human Trafficking Response Program
Shared Learnings Manual
Medical Safe Haven: Resources for Residency Programs, Physicians and Medical Students

introduction to human trafficking



Sat., February 8, 2020 9 - 9:45 AM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





This presentation will provide attendees with a basic understanding of what human trafficking is (and is not), awareness of how it presents in the United States, how to recognize it, and how it relates to health care. Pesentations will be led by our medical student interns.


* Those new to the subject matter should take this class prior to attending any of the listed lectures / workshops . All lectures are designed for those already familiar with the nature and scope of human trafficking and have experience working with victims of abuse and violence.


About our Speakers
Human Trafficking: The Facts
Look Beneath the Surface
more

"A New Doctor's Emotional Armour While on Duty" by Isobel Rosenthal



Sat., February 8, 2020 10 - 10:45 AM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





The number of physicians suffering from burnout has increased in the last few years, but the problem doesn’t stop with physicians—medical student burnout is also on the rise. A study conducted by the AMA and Rand Corporation revealed 45 percent of the medical students surveyed were feeling the effects of burnout.


So what can medical students and other health care providers do to prevent burnout?


Join a discussion on vicarious trauma, also known as compassion fatigue or secondary traumatic stress. The conversation will be based on a recent Washington Post article by Isobel Rosenthal, MD, titled, "A New Doctor's Emotional Armour While on Duty."


About the Facilitators
A New Doctor's Emotional Armour While on Duty by Isobel Rosenthal
Burnout Busters: How to Boost Satisfaction In Personal Life, Practice
Medical School Burnout:
How to Take Care of Yourself

The role of higher education in fighting human trafficking



Sat.,February 8, 2020 11 - 11:45 AM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





The Arizona State University Police Department issued a safety bulletin in 2018, warning students that sex traffickers may be attending college parties to recruit or coerce women into prostitution. The department says it was advised by other law enforcement agencies of the trend at other universities. The reports describe human sex traffickers attending college parties and events in an effort to recruit or coerce females. These efforts include photographing or getting students into compromising situations, then using threats of force or exposure to the campus community to persuade victims into prostitution.


Higher education has a critical role in protecting their students from human traffickers on their campuses and preparing their students to take a stand against it. Meet one educator who is doing just that! Assistant Professor Maureen Moslow-Benway will share how she is empowering students to take action in the fight against human trafficking. Ms. Moslow-Benway is a faculty member at the Wilder School of Governemnt at Virginia Commonwealth University.


About Our Speaker
WEBINAR: Human Trafficking,
What Your Campus Needs to Know
Arizona State University Police Warn of Sex Traffickers at College Parties
College and University Toolkit

Resource Tables



Saturday, February 5, 2020 11:00 - 1 PM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor



Greet & Meet local organizations fighting human trafficking.

Free resources.


Nonprofit organizations are welcome to exhibit at no cost.

But you need to bring your own table.


Please contact Fay.Chelmow@ImPACTVirginia.org to reserve a space.



Case Study on Labor Trafficking with the VCU Forensic Nurse Team.



Saturday, February 8, 2020 1 - 1:45 PM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





A patient discloses information strongly suggesting that he has been a victim of labor exploitation. How does the emergency department clinician address his immediate healthcare needs with an inderstanding of the complex sequelae of labor trafficking? Shelly Brown, RN, MSN, and her team will cover strategies that minimize barriers to effective recognition, intervention, and referral.


About Our Speaker
Testimony: ED nurse helps sex trafficking survivor
American Hospital Association: Combating Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking Overview for Emergency Medicine Personnel

SAFE HARBOR



Saturday, February 8, 2020
Break-out Sessions:
2 - 2:45 & 3 - 3:45 PM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





Learn about Safe Harbor: a nonprofit that provides support to survivors of sexual and domestic violence and human trafficking so that they can overcome their crisis and transform their lives. The program for human trafficking survivors include emergency and transitional shelter for adult female victims of sexual trafficking, case management, counseling for teens and adults, addiction counseling, court advocacy and a human trafficking hotline based in the shelter.


Meet the Executive Director of Safe Harbor, Cathy Easter, and learn how you can make a difference in the lives of survivors.


About Our Speaker
Safe Harbor
The Role Domestic Violence Shelters Play in Supporting Human Trafficking Survivors
Assisting Trafficking Victims:
A Guide for Victim Advocates

Human TRafficking and the Hotel Industry



Saturday, February 8, 2020
Break-out Sessions:
2 - 2:45 & 3 - 3:45 PM
VCU School of Medicine, 5th Floor





Traffickers often take advantage of the privacy and anonymity accessible through the hospitality industry. This presentation will help attendees understand why hotels are vulnerable to human trafficking and how to identify the critical intervention points within hotels where signs of trafficking can be spotted and preventative measures can be put in place.


"As an industry, we recognize that hotels can play an important role in fighting human trafficking networks which often rely on legitimate businesses, including hotels, to sustain their illegal operations and infrastructure.”

– Katherine Lugar, AH&LA president & CEO


"The University of Washington evaluated BEST's hotel training and found that trained employees were more likely to report potential instances of human trafficking to their managers. It also found that 96 percent of training participants believe training made their hotels safer."

- Business Travel News, August 2019


About Our Speakers
Human Trafficking and the Hospitality Industry
2 minute Video: Know the Signs in the Hotel Industry
Moving Human Trafficking Awareness Beyond the Travel Industry's Front Lines

Blue Heart is the International Symbol against Human Trafficking
Join Our Grassroots all-Volunteer Organization
ImPACT Virginia is also known as People Against Child Trafficking in American Schools
TAX ID #47-3931846 We are a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization