Traffic Talk
This series provides a safe and supportive space for a wide range of people to discuss sensitive and advanced topics about human trafficking. Sessions consist of brief expert presentations, written, video, and audio resources, and dialogue that emphasizes listening and understanding.
Traffic Talk fosters a welcoming, open, and comfortable environment to help participants appropriately discuss such difficult topics. All moderators of the Traffic Talks have been trained in dialogue facilitation.
Traffic Talk takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month, 6:00-7:30 PM via Zoom. There is no cost but registration is required. All are welcome.
Even if you can’t make it to one of our Traffic Talks, feel free to use our model for your own discussion groups. Choose a topic and get started!
Past Presentations
May 27th, 2020
Human trafficking is a commercial crime that consists of a supply-side and demand-side, essentially running as a business. Human trafficking prevention strategies must focus on reducing the demand for goods and services provided by human exploitation and trafficking. Effective demand reduction efforts must take into account both individual-level and societal factors and strategies.
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June 24th, 2020
The connection between race and human trafficking exists in various forms. Racial disparities among both child and adult victims of human trafficking illustrate the effects of systemic racism. Two important aspects to delve into are how racial stereotypes impact victimization, and what it means to be a good ally.
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July 22nd, 2020
The narratives that society upholds about human trafficking can have a severe impact on victims. By analyzing the case of Cyntoia Brown, we can see how common stereotypes reinforce the idea of a ‘perfect victim’ and how race plays into this concept as well. Also, it is extremely important to notice the widespread appropriation of human trafficking victims’ stories and to work to avoid participating in this misrepresentation.
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August 26th, 2020
One prominent connection between race and human trafficking can be seen in the many forms of forced labor/labor trafficking. The migrant farmworker system in the U.S. is rooted in our history of colonialism and slavery, of which some parts are inherently unjust and racist. Those working in situations of forced labor, such as on farms or in prisons, are exploited for their vulnerabilities which often includes their race.
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September 30th, 2020
The criminal justice system plays a major role in how human trafficking victims and perpetrators are treated. Law enforcement has an especially important responsibility to address human trafficking in the various different interactions they have with victims. It is also important to consider how alternatives can be used to create a more holistic approach to helping victims.
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October 28th, 2020
Forced labor and slavery exist throughout the supply chains of countless industries. We must think about how corporations, governments, and consumers all support the use of slavery in every section of supply chains. Whose responsibility is it to ensure that goods are produced ethically and sustainably? What can we, as consumers, do to help?
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- Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to Reduce Human Trafficking (January 27th)
- A Focus on Children and Human Trafficking (February 24th)
- Sex Work vs. Sex Trafficking (March 24th)
- Illicit Massage Businesses (April 28th)
- Migration and Human Trafficking (May 26th)
If you have an idea for a future Traffic Talk, email abolitionohio@gmail.com