Sisters Leading Sisters-An Accompaniment Model for Survivors of Human Trafficking and Exploitation

The goal of the FY 2019 Direct Services to Support Victims of Human Trafficking Program is to enhance the quality and quantity of services available to victims of human trafficking, as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000, as amended. Funding through this program supports specialized services to victims of sex and labor trafficking, as well as for efforts to increase the capacity of communities to respond to human trafficking through the development of interagency partnerships, professional training, and public awareness activities over a three-year project period. This award made to RIA House, Inc. under Purpose Area 2 will support adult women and men including persons identifying as LGBTQ who have experienced any form of human trafficking. RIA staff includes survivor leaders, clinical therapists, and case managers. The service model used is a holistic, trauma-informed approach to mental health and recovery, working alongside individuals to meet their own unique goals. With this project RIA will serve Central, MetroWest, and Eastern Massachusetts by funding a full-time survivor professional to serve as a Peer Mentor and Advocate and a half-time licensed clinician This team will provide a range of direct victim services, including clinical therapy, case management, peer support, care coordination, accompaniment, and support groups to approximately 75 survivors each year through at least 750 service encounters. They will also expand outreach to potential victims in the region, train community organizations to better identify and respond to victims, and lead public awareness events, reaching approximately 15 and at least 200 people each year. CA/NCF