Work Group 3: Deterring Traffickers and Buyers

Chaired by the iSeeMe Society, INC (Dr. Kendra Taylor)

 

Work Group 3 is focused on developing projects that have the potential to disrupt the supply and demand and increase the risk and/or decrease the profitability of human trafficking. Human trafficking profits from the exploitation of people and is fueled and sustained by three notions- the relationship between supply (victims), demand (buyers) and distributors (sellers or traffickers), the sum of (high profit) + (low cost + low risk), and systemic inequality. 

  • Past and/ or current projects: 
    1. Dimensions of “Demand” - Research Study: Work Group 3 assisted in a research study that looked at how service providers in Georgia understand the demand for human trafficking in Georgia. Access the report here.
    2. Buyers ID Project: Work Group #3 is currently developing a Buyer’s ID Manual with the goal of providing ‘profiles’ on potential buyers involved in CSEC, assisting law enforcement identification, as well as raising general awareness around prevention and support. The team is currently gathering and analyzing existing studies, resources, data, and records on buyers and summarizing our findings in the manual. You have been identified as a potential resource on this topic
    3. Best Practices for Enforcing Laws Related to Buyers in the CSEC: Work Group #3 is currently executing a research project that will develop and test hypotheses about arrests made of buyers when the victim is CSEC. The goal of the project is to better understand the sequence of events and process when human trafficking victims are assisted in order to identify gaps in current process and training, as well as inform future policy and/or legal action. The team is currently gathering and reviewing arrest record data and prior related studies, as well as conducting virtual interviews with law enforcement, prosecution, and victim service professionals across the state.
  • Suggested disciplines to apply for WG 3: 
    1. Victim service/ advocates
    2. Law Enforcement: local, state, and federal agencies 
    3. Legal: prosecution, judges, other legal personnel
    4. Education: university partners, academics, teachers, research intensive agencies
    5. Businesses/ consultation: supply chain experts/ consultants