Franke Global Leadership Initiative (GLI) Oral Presentations: UC North Ballroom
Combating Global Sex Trafficking: Addressing its Humanitarian Impact
Presentation Type
Presentation
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Ramona Grey
Abstract / Artist's Statement
This research project intends to make an impact on what the FBI has deemed the “third-largest criminal enterprise in the world”—human sex trafficking. Alarmed by the prevalence of these crimes in just Montana, our group was inspired to dig deeper into the causes of sex trafficking and its most vulnerable victims. By researching current legislation, meeting with local stakeholders, and contacting and partnering with several NGOs, we have found that many of the laws necessary to protect these victims are already in place. This research project, therefore, focuses on finding and addressing the largest gaps and needs of already established resources for these victims locally and internationally.
Our research suggests that the greatest issues lie not in legislation but rather in the lack of enforcement of anti-trafficking laws. Important sublayers of our research uncovered the history of sex trafficking, which impacts cultural beliefs/stigmas that have led to corruption. This conclusion led our group to arrive at two different plans to impact sex trafficking in Montana and abroad, specifically Cambodia and India. First, we aim to educate Missoula’s public through the arts. To achieve this, we are working with members of the University of Montana’s theater department and other volunteers to give light to the complexities of sex trafficking through acting and storytelling. Second, we intend to make existing resources more accessible to these victims. By speaking with stakeholders like attorneys and law enforcement, we will identify the most prevalent nationalities of victims and create posters and cards with appropriate translations for established resources. To ensure the accessibility of these materials, we will partner with the Department of Justice or an NGO. Our ultimate hope is to have a tangible impact, both in Montana and globally, for the fight against modern slavery.
Category
Interdisciplinary (GLI)
Combating Global Sex Trafficking: Addressing its Humanitarian Impact
UC North Ballroom
This research project intends to make an impact on what the FBI has deemed the “third-largest criminal enterprise in the world”—human sex trafficking. Alarmed by the prevalence of these crimes in just Montana, our group was inspired to dig deeper into the causes of sex trafficking and its most vulnerable victims. By researching current legislation, meeting with local stakeholders, and contacting and partnering with several NGOs, we have found that many of the laws necessary to protect these victims are already in place. This research project, therefore, focuses on finding and addressing the largest gaps and needs of already established resources for these victims locally and internationally.
Our research suggests that the greatest issues lie not in legislation but rather in the lack of enforcement of anti-trafficking laws. Important sublayers of our research uncovered the history of sex trafficking, which impacts cultural beliefs/stigmas that have led to corruption. This conclusion led our group to arrive at two different plans to impact sex trafficking in Montana and abroad, specifically Cambodia and India. First, we aim to educate Missoula’s public through the arts. To achieve this, we are working with members of the University of Montana’s theater department and other volunteers to give light to the complexities of sex trafficking through acting and storytelling. Second, we intend to make existing resources more accessible to these victims. By speaking with stakeholders like attorneys and law enforcement, we will identify the most prevalent nationalities of victims and create posters and cards with appropriate translations for established resources. To ensure the accessibility of these materials, we will partner with the Department of Justice or an NGO. Our ultimate hope is to have a tangible impact, both in Montana and globally, for the fight against modern slavery.