Sex Trafficking Specialty Courts (STSCs) support women seeking to exit the sex trade by addressing underlying substance use and co-morbid mental health needs. While these programs show reductions in criminal recidivism, far less is known about their effect on long-term health and substance use outcomes. Family support is a key predictor of substance use treatment success, yet family focused interventions are rarely integrated into STSC programming or tailored to women in the sex trade. Emerging evidence suggests familial relationships can both hinder and support treatment, and women express strong desires for assistance navigating these complex family dynamics during and after treatment. CATCH Court, a sex trafficking specialty court in Columbus, Ohio, seeks to understand relational processes and goals related to participating in a family intervention among participants and their family members to guide family intervention adaptation in future work. This workshop will share the research study associated with the family intervention which illuminated key findings such as motivations and goals for therapy, the complex yet promising role of family member in supporting participant’s success, and guidance on optimal design for family interventions to best target the needs of families in this context. Additionally, the presenters will share stories of lived experience from CATCH graduates who are helping to design a family intervention tool specifically for women in treatment who are exiting the sex trade. Attendees will learn what to consider and how to approach pursuing a family intervention for this population and the value and importance of engaging people with lived experience when designing programs and court practices.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Dr. Aaron Murnan received his MS and PhD in Human Development and Family Science from The Ohio State University. Dr. Murnan is a licensed couple and family therapist with experience in clinical and community settings. His research focuses on intervention development for families disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic and criminal justice system.
Gwen Jackson has worked in the criminal legal system for over 15 years and has specialized in working with women who suffer from complex trauma and addiction. Gwen received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The Ohio State University and holds a master's in Social Justice and Criminal Justice Administration.
Larose Daniels is a lived-experience expert and a certified peer recovery support specialist. She currently works at Sanctuary Night, providing direct services to vulnerable women in Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, Susan is an essential member of the FUTURE advisory board and helps inform the development and implementation of a family-based intervention for CATCH Court.
Jess Doone is a lived-experience expert and a certified peer recovery support specialist. She currently works at Freedom A La Cart, providing direct services to survivors of trafficking. Additionally, Jess is an essential member of the FUTURE advisory board and helps inform the development and implementation of a family-based intervention for CATCH Court.
Susan Thompson is a lived-experience expert and a certified peer recovery support specialist. She currently works at Freedom A La Cart, providing direct services to survivors of trafficking. Additionally, Susan is an essential member of the FUTURE advisory board and helps inform the development and implementation of a family-based intervention for CATCH Court.