According to recent research, many professionals working with trauma-exposed populations, such as sex trafficking survivors, are unprepared for the psychological toll of this work (Knight & Kagotho, 2023). This workshop equips psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, medical professionals, and ministry leaders with a holistic, trauma-informed framework for engaging in anti-trafficking efforts. Drawing on the experiences of ministry leaders with decades of work in the Dominican Republic, this session will explore strategies to foster resilience, mitigate burnout, and prevent vicarious traumatization of professionals and ministers (Corbett-Hone & Johnson, 2022; Staniforth & Vernals, 2023). Using a qualitative narrative approach, it addresses gaps in the literature by emphasizing prevention strategies and risk mitigation. Participants will gain evidence-based tools to enhance sustainability in trauma-related work, apply proactive strategies to support survivors effectively, and develop personalized self-care plans to sustain the professional and ministry care giver well-being while serving high-risk populations.
401 | Stories From the Trenches: Mercy, Hope, and Lessons Learned from Serving Survivors of Sex trafficking in the Dominican Republic
PRESENTERS
Candace Hanford, Ph.D., Allison Hale, M.A., Christine Fulmer, Ph.D., Joy Reye, M.A.
CE CREDITS
1.25
Approved For CE
APA, ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, AMA PRA Category 1 Credits, AOA Category 2A Credits, Georgia Nurses Association, AAFP
Approved For CME/CEU
LEVEL
Intermediate
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Analyze the holistic framework presented in the workshop and assess its applicability within their own practice or ministry when working with sex trafficking victims and survivors.
2 Apply proactive and prevention strategies to their own professional and ministry settings, enhancing trauma-informed care for trafficking survivors.
3 Evaluate their preparedness for working with trafficked individuals and develop individualized strategies to manage risks, mitigate burnout, and create sustainable self-care plans for long-term effectiveness in trauma-related work.