The majority of language and imagery used in human trafficking education and awareness efforts is ineffective at telling a dignified and comprehensive story about human trafficking. The presentation will begin by exploring the words and imagery that come to mind when society hears or reads the phrase, “human trafficking.” The presenters will lead a discussion about where those messages come from and why advocates and the media often choose to use that framing. To encourage critical thinking, the presenters will use the story of Cyntoia Brown-Long to highlight the need to be more inclusive and trauma-informed when creating the mainstream narrative of human trafficking. They will talk about what trafficking really looks like by analyzing popular images frequently used to tell that story. The presenters will use tips from survivors from the My Story My Dignity campaign led by Freedom United to teach advocates and the media how to do a better job. The presenters will give examples of imagery and language that is best-practice, then facilitate an activity where participants will review a media story to determine whether or not the author uses respectable messaging. The presentation will conclude by sharing additional resources with participants, and will challenge them to take what they’ve learned back to their organizations and communities to hold us all more accountable to a better narrative.
Samantha Searls is a Program Manager at the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center in Cincinnati, Ohio addressing human trafficking through education and advocacy. Samantha chairs the Public Education and Awareness Committee of End Slavery Cincinnati's Coalition. Her education includes an MSW, Washington University in St. Louis and a BSW, University of Indianapolis.
Em Joy is a social justice activist and anti-oppression educator who sells their labor as a Prevention Coordinator in the field of IPV and sexual assault. Em specializes in violence prevention, queer liberation, and sexual health. They are often building community and singing for justice with MUSE Women’s Choir.