Just Response To Human Trafficking In Native Communities

In episode one of our Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project mini season, Just Science sat down with Elizabeth Tibaduiza and Christina Melander, research public health analysts from RTI, as well as Ada Pecos Melton and Rita Martinez, President and Vice President of American Indian Development Associates, to discuss a formative evaluation of the Demonstration Grants to Strengthen the Response to Victims of Human Trafficking in Native Communities Program or VHT-NC program. Human trafficking in Native communities is an urgent issue in need of response, which is complicated by several factors, such as a need for increased awareness and understanding of human trafficking and limited availability of culturally responsive services and resources. The VHT-NC program aims to assist six communities in building, expanding, and sustaining their capacity to serve Native peoples who have experienced human trafficking through outreach, service provision, and community training. Listen along as Elizabeth, Christina, Ada, and Rita describe the context and implementation of the VHT-NC projects, the structure of a study like the VHT-NC Formative Evaluation, and the importance of engaging community members and incorporating cultural perspectives when conducting community-based research. This episode is funded by the Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project (Contract Number: HHSP233201500039I). Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses or may not be appropriate for younger audiences.