Abstract

Human trafficking and sexual exploitation of children not only leave a huge and painful impact on the victims but also deeply affect their families, including parents and siblings. In this session, Carla and Burcu will share insights drawn from experiences in youth care across various sectors, working closely with adolescents, both male and female, and their families. The focus will be on the critical role parents play as a lifeline for their children.

The best way to support a child who has fallen victim to human trafficking is by empowering their parents to become their anchor. Often, victims are silenced by shame, and parents by guilt, while both face intimidation from traffickers or criminal organizations. 

In this workshop, Carla and Burcu, will discuss the application of Connecting Authority and Non-Violent Resistance in supporting families dealing with the fallout of human trafficking. It is a story of resilience and hope, where parents are guided to hold their ground, stand by their children and act as unwavering lifelines. As professionals, it is our responsibility to support parents, enabling them to be the anchors their children desperately need.

Participants will learn practical tools and approaches to make small yet impactful changes. These steps can foster strength and healing within families. Participants will hear real-life examples from working with families affected by human trafficking and gain insights from testimonials of victims and their families who found hope and resilience through these methods.