Work on the frontlines addressing human trafficking inevitably impacts the mind, body, and spirit. Being immersed in the impact of trauma, evil, and suffering will take a toll, but can also lead to a deeper understanding of self and others. Individuals working closely with trauma must be attuned to the impact of this work to remain in a position of effectiveness. The presenters believe that because vicarious trauma is an inevitability for anyone working with human trafficking or other forms of social injustice, having an understanding of it, being able to recognize symptoms in both individuals and organizations, and having a proactive plan for preventing and mitigating it is crucial. This presentation will define vicarious trauma, provide data from interviews conducted with service providers, and provide an opportunity for self-reflection as well as ideas for how to conceptualize and implement self-care and organizational-care.
Dr. Heather Evans is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a counseling practice in Pennsylvania. She has over 20 years’ experience, specializing in sexual trauma. Heather has authored two books from her research on complex trauma and posttraumatic growth in sex trafficking survivors. She is Co-Founder of Valley Against Sex Trafficking.
Alycha Boehm is a licensed social worker and clinical supervisor at Valley Youth House. Alycha is also the co-founder of THRIVE, one of the first safe houses and therapeutic group homes for adolescent survivors of trafficking in Pennsylvania. Alycha is also an adjunct professor for Kutztown University’s Psychology Department.