CATCH Court works with survivors of human trafficking whose circumstances have led them to criminal justice involvement. The CATCH Court staff provide wraparound services to the women in the program as they exit the life. One of the main focal points for the staff during the two years of participation, outside of addiction and trauma therapy, is to help the women learn how to engage in healthy relationships and connection. The staff have witnessed a significant deficit in the participant’s ability to set appropriate boundaries, have effective communication, or display fundamental relational skills. This is largely due to their experiences and perceptions that have framed what a relationship looks like. Staff experiences show that a survivor is in need of multiple support people to effectively leave the life, which is challenging for those who have never functioned within a structure of wellness and autonomy. In addition, experiences within the docket have also provided staff with anecdotal evidence as to how unhealthy relationships can lead to the re-entrance of the life. CATCH Court has developed guidelines to assist in the process of safety and learning while navigating foreign territory regarding relationship building and appropriate connection. Connection is one of the most vital elements – to women, to addicts, and to trauma survivors. It has to be a focus for those working in the anti-trafficking field.
Gwen England is the program leader for CATCH Court, a specialized docket certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio. Gwen received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The Ohio State University, and her Master of Social Justice from Methodist Theological School of Ohio. She has been working in the criminal justice system for 13 years.
Shauna Harrison is a licensed independent social worker and has worked as a trauma therapist since 2009. She is trained in EMDR and specializes in trauma and addiction. She has been working with survivors of sex trafficking since 2017 and is consistently amazed by the strength and resilience of her clients.