Human Trafficking Presentation at Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center

Today, I was afforded the opportunity to engage in an educational presentation on human trafficking to Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center in Decatur, IL. When I began my internship, I was asked to think of some places I would like to train. Growing Strong was an organization I had in mind and a high priority, as I support their causes and know they are likely serving individuals who are being or who have been trafficked. It is common that social service organizations are serving victims/survivors of human trafficking and do not know how to fully recognize the signs. I reached out to the director and was pleased that she was immediately interested in scheduling a time to present. We decided to invite Jessica Spelman with the Center for Prevention of Abuse in Peoria, Illinois, as she is the Director of Human Trafficking Services and knows a great deal on educating in the realm of service provision. It was great to hear her presentation, and for Jessica, Dr. Dean, and I to work as a team. I was able to give information on my recent research and apply it to the types of services provided by Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center. I look forward to educating others on prevention and awareness after I graduate and anticipate the opportunity to bring my expertise on this topic into my professional environment as a sexual assault counselor. I have been fortunate to meet others along this journey of internship with whom I can collaborate with and learn from in the future.

​Diana J. Terneus

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