Trauma-informed approaches to sexual/reproductive health education (SRHE) are critical in addressing vulnerabilities that place youth at risk for human trafficking. Fear and shame-based approaches to SRHE often overlook issues such as non-consensual activity, abuse, and trauma—factors that significantly increase trafficking vulnerability. Comprehensive trauma-informed care (TIC) approaches aim to address these shortcomings while fostering a more inclusive, empowerment-based approach that can serve as trafficking prevention. This presentation outlines an innovative, comprehensive sexual health program, Choosing Myself, designed for justice-involved and marginalized youth who face disproportionate vulnerability to experiencing trafficking. By integrating TIC principles (Safety, Trustworthiness, Peer Support, Collaboration, Empowerment, and Cultural Awareness) into the curriculum, the program addresses systemic and trauma-based barriers that lead to exploitation. Research evaluating the implementation of TIC principles within the Choosing Myself program was conducted through pre/post surveys and focus groups with 37 vulnerable youth. Results demonstrate that participants perceived the program as effectively incorporating TIC principles and rated it highly in safety (M=4.88 (1.27)), peer support (M=5.00 (1.12)), trustworthiness and transparency (M=5.00 (1.26)), collaboration and mutuality (M=4.88; (1.39)), empowerment, voice, and choice (M=4.83, (1.25)), and cultural, historical, and gender issues (M=4.96 (1.14)). By establishing environments where youth can learn about healthy relationships, consent, and bodily autonomy, TIC-based SRHE serves as both intervention and prevention against trafficking. This approach empowers vulnerable youth with critical knowledge and agency regarding their sexual health, directly countering tactics used by traffickers who exploit gaps in understanding around sexuality, relationships, and personal boundaries.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Dr. Jill McCracken is a Professor of English and Women's and Gender Studies at the University of South Florida. Her research focuses on sex work, trafficking in the sex industry, violence against women, and incarceration of women using ethnography and participatory action research methods to inform policy and reduce violence.
Aarya Satardekar is a Master of Public Health candidate at the University of South Florida specializing in Health Policies and Biostatistics. She is a volunteer for Allies for Healing and works on research for trauma-informed approaches to health education, with experience in violence prevention training and developing health interventions for vulnerable populations.