Listening to the Silence: The Hidden Elements of Familial Trafficking

Wed, September 21 | 10:15 AM EDT–11:15 AM EDT
Topic: Experience, Direct Service | Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Jessa Dillow Crisp, MA, NCC, LPCC

Many people struggle to wrap their minds around familial trafficking, yet it is real and is happening all around us, creating victims silenced by generational secrets. Presented by a survivor of familial trafficking that is now a mental health professional, this session will look at the hidden elements of familial trafficking, including why someone might sell a relative, the intersection between familial trafficking, labor trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation. Attend this session to learn how to identify a potential victim of familial trafficking and learn how to respond to their unique needs from a trauma-informed and survivor-centered way.

Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.


Presentation Objectives
  • Define familial sex and labor trafficking
  • Discuss the alarming prevalence of familial trafficking
  • Discuss red flags specific to helping individuals identify victims of familial trafficking
  • Discuss trauma-informed and survivor-centered ways to engage with survivors of familial trafficking
About the Presenter
Jessa Dillow Crisp, MA, NCC, LPCC

Jessa Dillow Crisp is a lived experience expert, PhD student, mental health clinician, speaker, and consultant. Jessa's career includes training the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State on trafficking and trauma-informed care, as well as speaking at the National Character Leadership Symposium for the USA Air Force.