Intersections of Human Trafficking and Substance Abuse

The relationship between substance use and human trafficking is complex and across the spectrum. Frequently, there are elements of force, fraud, and coercion. However, survivors often voluntarily use substances as a mechanism to cope with the physical and mental trauma of trafficking and some survivors used substances prior to their experience. There are many reasons a survivor of trafficking might seek help for their substance use. Service providers, including domestic and sexual violence programs, can play a key role in providing access to trauma-informed support for survivors through strategic partnerships with substance use services. This webinar will highlight collaborative strategies to support survivors in the state of Vermont and West Virginia communities, including rural areas, led by advocacy services and anti-human trafficking local and state task force collaborations.