People with disabilities are more likely to experience human trafficking than their peers. Traffickers deliberately target victims they think they will be able to isolate and control. As a result of pervasive stigma and stereotypes surrounding individuals with disabilities, traffickers focus on individuals with disabilities as targets in this crime. Some risk factors that traffickers try to exploit may include gaps in education, societal isolation, and inadequate access to services and support. In this webinar, we will review how people with disabilities are deliberately being targeted for sex and labor trafficking and exploited for financial gain. You will learn more about red flags of trafficking and next steps to take if you believe that someone you know may be trafficked or is being groomed for trafficking or exploitation.
Speakers
Sara Bovat, The National Human Trafficking and Disabilities Working Group
Ericka Reil, Vermont Center for Independent Living
Jody Haskin, International Association for Adolescents
