Engaging People With Lived Experience in Research: A Case Study of Utilizing a Participatory Approach to a Human Trafficking Prevalence Study

• In Event: Improving Identification and Services for Trafficking Victims

Abstract

With the objective of understanding the prevalence and nature of sex trafficking among adults in Sacramento County, California, this study used a participatory action research (PAR) approach. People with lived experience were engaged during the entirety of the project, particularly through the use of a Survivor Advisory Council and as data collectors. This group contributed to the creation of the data collection instruments, the research design, conducting interviews, data interpretation, and policy recommendations. This case study outlines our approach to survivor engagement and lessons learned from this partnership.

Authors

• Christina Melander, RTI International

• Rebecca Pfeffer, RTI International

• Kelle Barrick, RTI International

• Terri Galvan, Communities Against Sexual Harm