Human Trafficking at Home and Abroad

Abstract

I will share some of my personal experiences and stories regarding prostitution, sex tourism, and trafficking in Cambodia and Thailand. I will give an overview of the context, current situation, demand and some culture factors that contribute specifically to the situation in Cambodia. I will talk about some of the realities and challenges that make this situation so complex and difficult to address.

I will share specifically about the work and role of Hagar. Hagar is unique in its approach to develop social enterprises that train, employee and empower young women. I will talk about Hagar’s businesses and why on a larger context I see this model as one key solution for addressing the issue.

I will finish by sharing about my current work on the issue in Washington, DC. I will highlight the existence of domestic trafficking and make comparisons on the two experiences. Specifically in terms of the common reasons I think it happens and the emotional damage and trauma it causes to all women involved. I will talk briefly about what policy and advocacy work is being done and the implications of current trafficking legislation.

Elise Marie Elzinga, BA
Organization: Hagar
Location: Washington, D.C. and Cambodia
Title of Presentation: Human Trafficking at Home and Abroad