Workshops

A lot of us want to help others within our community, especially when the greater society misunderstands, stigmatizes, oppresses, and overlooks us. Relating to our clients is why we’re so good at our jobs - but how can we do this without re-traumatizing ourselves? Where does our story end and our client’s begin? In this workshop, we will discuss not only how to set boundaries with our clients, but also ourselves when it comes to how much of our own story we share and how much of others’ stories we take on. We will also discuss what “countertransference” is and how to identify and control when we relate to our clients a little too well. 

Presenter: Alice Johnson, MSW, CSWA 

This workshop will take a deep dive into the unique experience of sex trafficking victims/survivors, looking at environmental & situational vulnerabilities as well as the systemic oppressions that discriminate identities and create barriers to basic needs. We will discuss the similarities and differences between sexual assault, domestic violence, and sex trafficking while acknowledging the potential existence of each under the umbrella of human trafficking. Finally, we will review best practice approaches to support survivors of sex trafficking. 

Presenter: Dawn Schiller, MA

Survivor leaders are key to showing other survivors that past struggles do not define future outcomes. In this session we will discuss how often in the field of human trafficking Survivors have been included in as Survivor leaders, but taking our voices and experiences have been as the work of the organization. Strategies and ideas for including survivors indecision making spaces and having accountability within organizations when building relationships with survivors will be included, with a focus on how survivor spaces should include creating meaningful connections and transformative impact to understand the world of human trafficking.

Presenter: BEtty Beatty

We’ll discuss the healing process for survivors (including trauma-informed care) and resources available via The Cupcake Girls, a local nonprofit organization. This will include a small group discussion.

Presenters: 

Brironni Alex, MS 

Victoria Kincaid 

(The Cupcake Girls)

We know that people who have survived trauma are more likely to use substances. However, survivors who currently use substances and/or have a history of substance misuse, experience shame, stigma, judgment and immediate disqualification while accessing support.

Presenters: 

Heather Hagelberger 

Kiera Hansen, MSW

For advocates working within or alongside systems such as police, probation or prosecutor’s offices, it is of particular importance to stand between survivors and the coercive nature of the systems they support. It can be tricky! In this interactive workshop, we hope participants will learn new ideas and techniques for promoting survivor autonomy within systems over which we often have little control.

PresenterS: 

Martha Strawn Morris, JD

Kara Sydnor 

(The Gateway Center for Domestic and Sexual Violence Services)

Learn how to leverage your unique lived experiences, skills, and abilities, and gain insights into merging personal experiences with professional activism. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to enhance your impact, this workshop offers invaluable guidance for entering the field with purpose. We'll discuss navigating exploitation in the anti-trafficking movement and strategies for self-advocacy. Discover how to identify your passions and channel them into meaningful action, while exploring best practices for advocating for improved working conditions and sustainable practices within the anti-trafficking movement.

Presenter: Jay Benke

(Clever human LLC) 

This workshop will examine the intersections between sex trafficking and domestic violence. We will collaboratively explore the overlap of power dynamics and abuse tactics that impact survivors. We will analyze the ways in which these individual power structures parallel oppressive social systems. Participants will engage in meaningful discussion around consent in context, the concept of choice and autonomy.

Presenter: Saiya White 

(Portland Sex Worker Resource Project) 

Many survivors are asked to cooperate with law enforcement investigations and prosecutions. This workshop will cover the process of criminal cases, discuss the expectations placed on victims in criminal prosecutions, and compare the process to other legal proceedings such as seeking a restraining order, child custody hearings, family law cases, civil lawsuits, and any other legal issues.

Presenter: Joel Shapiro, JD

(trafficking Law Center)