Our Mission
To respond to human trafficking by moving the knowledge base forward.
Values
The Global Association of Human Trafficking Scholars:
Is dedicated to international partnerships with an understanding of the historical, political, structural, and cultural components of human trafficking as they influence research, research-focused policy, and research-guided activism in each respective global community.
Approaches scholarly discourse with a respect for pluralistic views while steadfastly pursuing social justice for all, regardless of racial or gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, region, socioeconomic status, age, or ability.
Encourages the collaboration and integrity of innovative research-based approaches to inform policy, advocacy, and activism.
Asserts clear ethics grounded in the importance of moving the knowledge base forward by producing high-quality research that goes beyond institutional barriers to be accessible to all.
Ethical Guidelines:
Cultural Sensitivity
Cultural competence is critical for researchers to ensure effective communication between researchers and study participants as well as adequate analysis and interpretation of results.
For more information about cultural sensitivity, this Harvard Manual provides multiple research-based facts about the importance of conducting research with cultural competence.
Methodology
Ethical considerations can be specified as one of the most important parts of research with human subjects, with an emphasis on confidentiality, anonymity, protection of privacy, and informed consent. [1]
When creating questionnaire/interview/focus group questions, avoid the use of offensive, discriminatory, or other unacceptable language. [2]
Maintain the highest level of objectivity in discussions and analyses throughout data collection and reporting.
Data Collection Using Trauma-Informed Interviewing Skills
When working with vulnerable populations that have possibly experienced trauma, including human trafficking victims/survivors, reporting highly personal information for data collection can potentially be retraumatizing.
For more information about using a trauma-informed approach, SAMHSA has begun requiring their agencies receiving grants to use a trauma-informed approach to their interviewing techniques and data collection.
Institutional Review Boards (IRB)
To have a research study approved by an IRB, the study must adhere to the three principles listed within the Belmont Report: 1) respect for persons, 2) avoiding harm to the subject and ensuring the benefits outweigh the risks of participating in the study, and 3) justice for the participant.
When working with vulnerable populations, IRBs are even more determined to ensure ethical research procedures are being utilized. Vulnerable populations refer to a population that, due to their circumstances, may feel obligated or unlawfully influenced to participate in the study.
Some suggestions/guidelines include: 1) developing a comprehensive safety monitoring plan with the Data Safety Monitoring Committee, 2) following the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standard of a research study with human subjects, and 3) ensuring the site of the research study appropriately protects the rights, safety, and well-being of the participants.
For more information and training about GCP and Human Subject Protection, the Citi Program offers free trainings and resources.
For those outside of the United States that do not have IRBs, researchers should look for ethical committees in their own countries and adhere to ethical guidelines.
[1] Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2007). “Business Research Methods,” 2nd ed. Oxford University Press.
[2] Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2012). “Research Methods for Business Students,” 6th ed. Pearson Education Limited.
Help Us Spread the Word!
Easily share our flyer and brochure with your contacts so they can learn more about GAHTS and get involved in our association to help us respond to human trafficking by moving the knowledge base forward.