Survivors’ conceptualizations of human trafficking prevention: An exploratory study

Author: Donohue-Dioh, Jessica; Otis, Melanie; Miller, Justin; Sossou, Marie-Antoinette; delaTorres, Carlos & Lawson, Thomas

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explicate a conceptual framework for the prevention of human trafficking from the perspective of those most impacted: human trafficking survivors. In doing so establishing an empirical foundation for human trafficking prevention research. To achieve this aim, researchers employed Group Concept Mapping (GCM). GCM is an integrated, mixed-method, research design that analyzes qualitative data via quantitative approaches, namely multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses. All participants (N = 35) identified as human trafficking survivors from one of four states in the United States. Results indicate that survivors in this sample conceptualize prevention via a 10-cluster solution. Furthermore survivors rated the cluster on Education and Awareness (9) as the most Important (4.60), as well as the most Feasible (4.28). This paper will review extant literature related to human trafficking, explicate results from this study, and discuss pragmatic prevention implications related to findings.

Keywords: human trafficking, prevention, participatory research, mixed-methods, survivor