Supporting Survivors: Exploring the Experiences of Service Providers Working on Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts in Central Ohio.

The signing of the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA) and Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA) into law has increased awareness about the predatory billion dollar industry that is human trafficking. It is acts such as FOSTA and SESTA, along with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 and the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) of 2015 that have assisted in increased protections, services, and advocacy for victims of human trafficking. Just as laws are being developed and revised, so are the efforts being made towards finding the most appropriate way to support the victims of human trafficking. However, in order to support victims and survivors of human trafficking, there must be an understanding of their varying needs. The purpose of this research was to explore the needs of victims and survivors of human trafficking through interviews with services providers that work with them on a regular basis. Methods The objectives of this research were to: 1) to explore the needs of the survivors of sex trafficking in Central Ohio, 2) to understand what services are available for the survivors of sex trafficking in Central Ohio, and 3) to understand gaps in services pertaining to survivors of sex trafficking in Central Ohio. This qualitative research used in-depth interviews to explore experiences of service providers working with anti-human trafficking efforts in Central Ohio. An interview guide with several open and closed-ended questions was used to understand the experiences of service providers from different anti-human trafficking organizations in Central Ohio. The respondents were 5 service providers from Central Ohio. Results Data analysis resulted in three major themes` identified using thematic analysis Saldaña’s qualitative coding method. Themes identified indicated that the needs of survivors are extensive, various, and growing. The research suggests that Central Ohio possesses the resources necessary to help support and advocate for survivors of sex trafficking. Additionally, there is a need for “more” (housing options, service providers, funding, etc.) and the needs of survivors need to be met with trauma-informed care and resources. The results of the research study indicate that the anti-human trafficking agencies in Central, Ohio have the capability to meet the varying needs of survivors of sex trafficking. To meet the growing needs in a comprehensive manner, it will require more funding and support from a multi-disciplinary team.The Ohio State Unversity, The College of Social WorkNo embargoAcademic Major: Social Wor