World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

At RTI, we study strategies designed to prevent and respond to crime and victimization, supporting the adoption of effective, efficient, and fair solutions that promote justice, safety, and well-being. Our work examines the operations and impacts of public and private sector organizations, including victim service providers, first responders, law enforcement, forensic laboratories, courts, corrections, and community-based organizations focused on justice and resilience.

RTI’s experts conduct research, evaluation, quality assurance, training, and technical assistance to translate evidence into actionable strategies for communities and public systems. As we approach the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, we recognize the importance of raising awareness about human trafficking and promoting and protecting the rights of trafficking victims.

There’s increasing discussion of the risks of human trafficking and of natural disasters in the US, but very little is known about their intersection.

Our experts conducted interviews with disaster responders and anti-trafficking professionals to understand how relevant agencies prepared for and responded to the potential for commercial sexual exploitation and labor exploitation before, during, and after the major hurricanes in the Gulf Coast region since 2017. Click to read more!

Webinar | Firearm Violence Prevention: Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Approaches

Community violence interrupters are an emerging evidence-based strategy for Community Violence Intervention (CVI) and firearm violence prevention. Interrupters have relationships with the community and work to intervene, mediate, and deescalate often retaliatory cycles of violence. They are an on-the-ground, trusted presence and can be invaluable in mitigating community violence.

This webinar will explore strategies to engage community violence interrupters in violence prevention using real-world examples. The webinar will feature a professional who will discuss his experiences working with community partners to deescalate violence in his community of Chattanooga. Register here.

Evaluating federal programs to improve service delivery for people who have experienced human trafficking.

RTI has partnered with the Administration of Children and Families (ACF) to evaluate existing ACF programs under the Building Evidence for Trafficking Interventions and Response (BETIR) project. This project aims to expand human trafficking research through relevant findings in key areas. Learn more.

The ACF's Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) and Office of Trafficking In Persons (OTIP) have selected two studies, with the option for up to four more by 2025. These studies will inform researchers, service providers, and policymakers of evidence-based, trauma-informed practices to better identify and serve victims.

Trauma-Informed Research Methods: A Podcast for Justice Professionals

Trauma-informed care extends beyond mental health services to sectors like corrections, homeless services, child welfare, and schools. It can also be applied in research, guiding decision-making and organizational structure to benefit both participants and researchers. A trauma-informed approach prioritizes addressing the impact of traumatic stress on mental and physical health by creating safe environments and study procedures that avoid re-traumatizing participants.

Just Science explores how experts apply this approach throughout the research process, from project management to data collection and dissemination, promoting safety and support for all.

Learn more about RTI's justice and policy work.

Making an Impact

• Labor Trafficking Cases in the United States: Understanding What Works in Identification and Response
• Estimating Sex Trafficking in Sacramento County, California
• Human Trafficking Policy and Research Analyses Project

Past Event: Building a Global Movement in Healthcare to Address Human Trafficking

The past January, the RTI Global Gender Center hosted Dr. Hanni Stoklosa, a leading expert, for an insightful webinar and to help raise awareness for Human Trafficking. You can watch the recording here.

If you would like to be invited to similar events in the future, become an RTI Global Gender Center affiliate by filling out this quick survey.