Stopping Traffic: Community Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts

Abstract

As people become aware of human trafficking and its existence in their own communities, many become motivated to take action. However, though anti-human trafficking demands multi-pronged efforts from many sectors, it is challenging to know how to make a difference. This presentation will detail the formation of Stop Traffic, an anti-human trafficking student organization, and the Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition.

One result of this conference was the formation of an anti-trafficking coalition with law enforcement, the faith community, city government, social services, activist organizations, and University representatives. The coalition aims to inform, involve, and influence Central Missouri in efforts against Human Trafficking. The coalition is a network of resources to rescue victims, prosecute cases, and restore survivors to a holistic life. Its goals range from creating a solid network of resources to address immediate needs to exploring and working to intervene in the structural reasons behind human trafficking through policy efforts.

Through a case study of this particular community's response to human trafficking, the presentation will highlight successes, challenges, and best practices, in order to give insight into the process of community mobilizing and coalition forming to combat human trafficking.

Jennifer Kimball, BA Candidate in Women’s Studies
University: University of Missouri
Organization: Stop Traffic, Co-Founder and Student Advisor at the University of Missouri and Central Missouri Human Trafficking Coalition, Co-Founder
Location: Columbia, MO
Title of Presentation: Stopping Traffic: Community Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts