Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Housing Program for Survivors of Human Trafficking through a Behavior Analytic Lens

• In Event: An Evaluation of a Human Trafficking Housing Program: Implications Toward Future Program Development and Service Provision

Abstract

Labeled as “modern-day slavery,” human trafficking is defined as the deliberate use of force, fraud, or coercion to lure an individual to the involuntary commercial exchange of sexual activity or labor services for remuneration. Due to the vulnerability to revictimization, service providers should aim to implement the most effective and efficient treatments for survivors of human trafficking. A behavioral perspective can be used to understand the interrelationship between the environment, the trafficker’s actions, and the behavior of the victim/survivor. Similarly, the principles of behavior analysis have proven effective at improving employee and organizational performance. The current presentation will describe the housing program evaluation through a behavior-analytic lens. Additionally, the presentation will provide suggestions for providing effective wraparound services to survivors of human trafficking, through principles of behavior analysis.

Authors

• Arturo Garcia, University of South Florida

• Kimberly Crosland, University of South Florida

• Marissa Del Vecchio, University of South Florida