March 2021Monthly Update
Updates
Save the Date: 2021 HT-RADAR Annual Research Conference – Virtual Event
Save the date for the Annual HT-RADAR 2021 Virtual Conference on October 15, 2021
The HT-RADAR 2021 Human Trafficking Research Conference is an opportunity to:
- Learn about local and national human trafficking research that applies to the specific needs, practices, and approaches of a variety of stakeholders (law enforcement, prosecution, victim services, survivors, etc.).
- Become informed of some of the most current local and national human trafficking research.
- Network with local and national experts from different areas of human trafficking research.
- Discuss how to implement research into specific stakeholder areas with consultation from local and national experts.
- Directly share research with stakeholders to potentially influence stakeholder practices, approaches, and policies.
Additional conference details to follow
Interested in presenting your research on human trafficking? Please complete the following information form here.
Quarterly Meeting
HT-RADAR Quarterly Meeting: Exploring Human Trafficking Research Gaps in San Diego
The next HT-RADAR meeting is scheduled for March 23, 2021 from 11:30am to 1:30pm (PST) and will be held virtually over Zoom.
Melissa Haupt, LMFT, Director of Programs at North County Lifeline and Dr. Lianne Urada, Research Subcommittee Co-Chair will be facilitating this meeting to discuss how research can bring funding into our region for direct services and to determine research needs of our service providers and community partners.
Please make sure to register in advance for this meeting!
Registration Link:
https://pointloma.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scuGgpjwsE9IxYnHh1HBavgSrWwatGOOj
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Community Highlights
State Recommendations and Self-Assessment Survey to Prevent the Sex Trafficking of Children and Youth in the United States
The National Advisory Committee on the Sex Trafficking of Children and Youth in the United States invites states and relevant stakeholders to join consultation calls on best practices and recommendations to strengthen responses to the sex trafficking of children and youth.
Each topical call will focus on one of the 12 areas addressed in the Committee’s interim report. The purpose of these calls is to provide states and relevant stakeholders with a better understanding of the components in each section of the Committee’s report, guidance for responding to this section of the report using the State Self-Assessment Survey, and an opportunity to ask clarifying questions to the Committee members.
Discussion Topics:
- Provide an opportunity for states to review and discuss recommendations with Committee members
- Provide guidance on the recommendations to assist states and relevant stakeholders in their completion of the State Self-Assessment Survey
Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
Aggravating Circumstances: How Coronavirus Impacts Human Trafficking
Report Summary:
The coronavirus is not only claiming hundreds of thousands of lives, but is also causing a global economic crisis that is expected to rival or exceed that of any recession in the past 150 years. Although decisive action and containment measures are helping flatten the curve of infection, such measures inevitably deepen and lengthen the economic recession. Poverty, lack of social or economic opportunity and limited labour protections are the main root causes and drivers that render people vulnerable or cause them to fall victim to human trafficking. This unprecedented crisis will likely exacerbate all of those factors and result in developments that must be noted by anti-human-trafficking communities and stakeholders.
As we have seen from previous economic crises and epidemics (such as SARS and Ebola), accurate, consistent and timely information is essential in order to fight not only the coronavirus but also the consequences it has on human-trafficking situations. In researching this brief, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) has spoken to its Network of Experts and Resilience Fund grantees who are directly fighting human trafficking in the field, and used inputs provided by our various anti-trafficking networks, contacts and projects, including the Alliance 8.7’s Communications, Engagement and Advocacy Group, Freedom Collaborative COVID-19 Response platform and the Human Trafficking Foundation Google group. The brief has also drawn on the initial findings of the COVID-19 Impact survey conducted by the Tech Against Trafficking initiative – a coalition of global tech companies, human-trafficking survivors, civil-society organizations and international institutions in which GI-TOC serves as the research lead.
This brief aims to contribute to global anti-trafficking efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of the pandemic on human-trafficking situations and actors, not only by providing timely, comprehensive overview and transparent information, but also by suggesting holistic and multi-stakeholder responses and interventions.
The full brief can be found here
UN Women
Addressing Emerging Human Trafficking Trends and Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Report Summary:
Around the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has created new risks and challenges to victims and survivors of trafficking. It has also worsened the vulnerabilities of at-risk groups, especially women and children, to trafficking in human beings.
This publication is aimed at providing lawmakers, civil society organizations, and the private sector with effective guidance to prevent and combat trafficking in human beings. Moreover, the report promotes a human rights–, gender-, and age-sensitive, trauma-informed, and victim-centred approach now and after the pandemic.
The report is based on data collected through a global survey of survivors of trafficking and frontline organizations from more than 100 countries, as well as in consultation with a panel of experts. The report analyses the emerging COVID-19 human trafficking trends and consequences. At its core, the publication offers concrete policy recommendations to address these trends and impacts in the short to long term, in a manner consistent with international standards, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe commitments, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The full report can be found here
Victim Assistance Training Online
VAT Online is a foundational Web-based victim assistance training program that offers victim service providers and allied professionals the opportunity to acquire the essential skills and knowledge they need to more effectively assist victims of crime. VAT Online has four sections: Basics, Core Competencies and Skills, Crimes, and Specific Considerations for Providing Victim Services.
- The Basics section includes information that all victim service providers must know, including victims’ rights and the justice systems, which provides a foundation for victim services.
- The Core Competencies and Skills section includes modules such as basic communication skills, confidentiality, and advocacy.
- The Crimes section includes the characteristics and prevalence of crime, and other information about crimes including sexual assault, elder abuse, and child abuse.
- The Specific Considerations for Providing Victim Services section includes information and skills to serve populations such as LGBTQ populations, campus/university victims of crime, and victims of sexual assault in the military.
Additional details can be found here
VictimConnect Provides Confidential Referrals for Crime Victims
The VictimConnect Resource Center is a place for crime victims to learn about their rights and options, confidentially and compassionately. VictimConnect is a weekday helpline that offers information, referrals, and resources by phone or text toll free (855–4–VICTIM) or online chat. Whether by chat, text, or phone, trained specialists are available to assist victims of crime. Visitors to the hotline receive strength-based and trauma-informed services and referrals in over 200 languages. During these difficult times, the helpline remains open for victims.
Opportunities and Resources
Webinars
HT-RADAR offers information about webinars focused on anti-trafficking work and anti-trafficking research. As many of us are working remotely, here are some resources for additional educational opportunities:
Accessing Shelter Options Through the Safe Shelter Collaborative
This webinar will introduce service providers to the work of the Safe Shelter Collaborative and explore how anti-trafficking providers use the collaborative to house survivors of trafficking.
The Wrongful Prosecution of Sex Trafficking Victims: The issue of victim-offender intersectionality
Sex traffickers frequently ensnare their victims in related criminal activity. In fact, it is an integral part of the sex trafficking victimization process that the victim is committing criminal acts at the behest of their trafficker. Throughout this country, there have now been decades of work done to decriminalize human trafficking victims. Many states now have specialized human trafficking courts, diversion programs, “safe harbor” laws and vacatur laws that seek to mitigate the harm caused by criminalizing survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. However, much of that progress only addresses the issue of charging trafficking victims with prostitution crimes. So often, survivors are caught up in serious criminal activity and end up without recourse in the criminal justice system.
Free The Slaves Event Commemorating 2021 National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Join Harvard Professor Timothy Patrick McCarthy, chair of the FTS board, Bukeni Waruzi, FTS executive director, and attorney Amy Wiwi of Lowenstein Sandler, also a FTS board member, to learn about the scope of modern slavery and what you can do to end it.
Talking Circle: Human Trafficking in Tribal Communities
Human trafficking impacts tribal people more than most of us realize with traffickers preying on vulnerabilities such as jurisdiction, prosecution, and limited resources. During this conversation, listen to tribe’s experiences with human trafficking in tribal communities and ask your own questions. Discussion topics include risk factors for trafficking, barriers to addressing trafficking on tribal lands, and needed services to aid the spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of trafficked tribal members or relatives.
2021 Dirty Dozen List Reveal Event | Mainstream Facilitators of Sexual Exploitation, Explained
The Dirty Dozen List is an annual campaign calling out twelve mainstream entities for facilitating or profiting from sexual abuse and exploitation. Since its inception in 2013, the Dirty Dozen List has galvanized thousands of individuals like YOU to call on corporations, government agencies, and organizations to change specific policies to instead promote human dignity. This campaign has yielded major victories, including significant changes at Google, Netflix, TikTok, Hilton Worldwide, Verizon, Walmart, US Department of Defense, and many more.
Upcoming Conferences
(Listed here)
This resource is regularly updated. Questions? Or know of conferences that you’d like to share with the HT-RADAR network? Contact us!
During this uncertain time conference dates are changing frequently. Please note these dates may be changed and changes will be updated on the HT-RADAR website.
7th Annual Utah Sexual Violence Conference
Sandy, Utah: March 24 – 25, 2021
2021 Freedom Network USA Human Trafficking Conference
Virtual Conference: March 25-26, 2021
Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Trauma and Resilience Conference
Virtual Conference: April 6-8, 2021
Virtual Conference: April 21-22, 2021
Build Beyond Conference: A Clinically-Focused Annual Training
Virtual Conference: May 20-21, 2021
Funding Opportunities
(Listed here)
This resource page is regularly updated.
OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program Solicitation
This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 12351. The Transitional Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking (Transitional Housing Program (CFDA 16.736)) supports programs that provide 6-24 months of transitional housing with support services for victims who are homeless or in need of transitional housing as a result of a situation of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking; and whom emergency shelter services or other crisis intervention services are unavailable or insufficient.
Close Date: March 16, 2021
OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking on Campus Program Solicitation
This program is authorized 34 U.S.C. § 20125. The Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus Program (Campus Program) (CFDA# 16.525) encourages institutions of higher education to develop and strengthen effective security and investigation strategies to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking on campus, develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving such crimes on campus, and develop and strengthen prevention education and awareness programs.
Close Date: March 16, 2021
OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Program Solicitation
This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 12511(c). The Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Program (SAS Culturally Specific Program) (CFDA# 16.023) supports nonprofit organizations that focus primarily on culturally specific communities and have experience in the area of sexual assault or who partner with an organization having such expertise. The goal of the SAS Culturally Specific Program is to establish, maintain, and expand sustainable, culturally appropriate services that address the unique needs and challenges of victims of sexual assault from culturally specific communities.
Close Date: March 16, 2021
OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program Solicitation
This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 12341. The Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program (Rural Program) (CFDA# 16.589) supports efforts to enhance the safety of rural victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking and supports projects uniquely designed to address and prevent these crimes in rural areas.
Close Date: March 16, 2021
OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program Solicitation
This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 12511(e). The Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program (TSASP) (CFDA# 16.024) supports efforts to create, maintain, and expand sustainable sexual assault services provided by Tribes, tribal organizations, and nonprofit tribal organizations within Indian country and Alaska Native villages. TSASP supported projects provide intervention, advocacy, accompaniment (e.g., accompanying victims to court, medical facilities, or police departments), support services, and related assistance for adult, youth, and child victims of sexual assault, non-offending family and household members of victims, and those collaterally affected by the sexual assault.
Close Date: March 18, 2021
NIJ FY 2021 Research and Evaluation of Trafficking in Persons
With this solicitation, NIJ continues to build upon its research and evaluation efforts to better understand, prevent, and respond to trafficking in persons in the United States. Applicants should propose research projects that — first and foremost — have clear implications for criminal justice policy and practice in the United States. With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for research projects addressing the following priority areas:
- Demand reduction research.
- Human trafficking research, evaluation and development.
- Sex trafficking of American Indian and Alaska Native girls and women research.
Close Date: March 22, 2021
OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program Solicitation
This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 12421. The Enhanced Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program (Abuse in Later Life Program) (CFDA # 16.528) supports a comprehensive approach to addressing abuse in later life, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, neglect, and exploitation committed against victims who are 50 years of age or older (hereinafter “older victims”).
Close Date: March 23, 2021
OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Grants to Engage Men and Boys as Allies in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Program Solicitation
The EM Program solicitation is one of two solicitations issued under the Consolidated Youth and Engaging Men (CYEM) Program (CFDA# 16.888), which is authorized by annual federal appropriations acts. The other program solicitation is the Grants to Prevent and Respond to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Against Children and Youth Program (CY). Applicants interested in developing projects to serve children and youth impacted by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking should submit a proposal under the OVW Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 CY Solicitation.
Close Date: March 23, 2021
OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Training and Services to End Violence Against Women with Disabilities Grant Program Solicitation
The goal of the Disability Grant Program (DGP) (CFDA# 16.529) is to create sustainable change within and between organizations that improves the response to individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and to hold perpetrators of such crimes accountable. DGP funds are used to establish and strengthen multidisciplinary collaborative relationships; increase organizational capacity to provide accessible, safe, and effective services to individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals who are victims of violence and abuse; identify needs within the grantee’s organization and/or service area; and develop a plan to address those identified needs that builds a strong foundation for future Work.
Close Date: March 25, 2021
OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Grants to Prevent and Respond to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Against Children and Youth Program Solicitation
The CY Program solicitation is one of two solicitations issued under the Consolidated Youth and Engaging Men (CYEM) Program (CFDA# 16.888), which is authorized by annual federal appropriations acts. The other program solicitation is the Grants to Engage Men and Boys as Allies in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls Program (EM). Applicants interested in developing projects to engage men and boys as allies should submit a proposal under the OVW Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 EM solicitation.
Close Date: March 23, 2021
OVC FY 2021 Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking
The goal of this program is to provide safe, stable housing and appropriate services to victims of human trafficking. The program will support—
- transitional housing, including funding for the operating expenses of a newly developed or existing transitional housing program; and
- short-term housing assistance, including rental or utilities payment assistance and assistance with related expenses.
Close Date: March 29, 2021
OVC FY 2021 Field-Generated Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance for Law Enforcement
This program provides funding for the development of innovative strategies, approaches, and models to support jurisdictions engaged in identifying victims of human trafficking and investigating and prosecuting human trafficking and related crimes. The program will support jurisdictions to—
- investigate and prosecute acts of severe forms of trafficking in persons and related offenses that occur, in whole or part, within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
- train law enforcement personnel on how to identify victims of severe forms of human trafficking in persons and related offenses.
- educate and train law enforcement personnel in how to establish trust of persons subjected to trafficking and encourage cooperation with prosecution efforts.
Close Date: March 29, 2021
OVC FY 2021 Preventing Trafficking of Girls
This solicitation provides funding for organizations to support prevention and early intervention programs for girls who are at-risk of, or are victims of, sex trafficking. The objectives of this program are to:
- Replicate and scale-up prevention and early intervention programs for girls who are at risk of, or are victims of, sex trafficking that have undergone rigorous evaluation and/or have a track record of success.
- Implement or enhance efforts to identify and provide services to girls who are at risk of, or are victims of, sexual exploitation or sex trafficking.
- Participate in an annual peer-to-peer learning (cluster meeting) opportunity.
Close Date: March 29, 2021
OVC FY 2021 Services for Minor Victims of Labor Trafficking
The purpose of this program is to develop, expand, or strengthen victim service programs for minor victims of labor trafficking, whose victimization occurred when they were under the age of 18. Organizations funded under this program will provide (directly and through partnerships) services that minor victims of labor trafficking often require to address their needs for safety, security, and healing.
Close Date: March 29, 2021
OVC FY 2021 Training and Technical Assistance for Human Trafficking Service Providers
This program provides funding for training and technical assistance to service providers developing, strengthening, or expanding programs for victims of human trafficking. The purpose of this program is to—
- support OVC’s human trafficking service provider grantees and their partners in meeting award goals and objectives; and
- provide practitioner-driven, evidence-based training and technical assistance on delivering services to victim service providers.
Close Date: March 29, 2021
OVC FY 2021 Enhancing Juvenile and Family Court Responses to Human Trafficking
The goals of this program are to develop or enhance programs to provide direct services and diversion programs for youth in contact with the juvenile and family court systems who are victims of sex and/or labor trafficking or at risk for human trafficking due to past or current crime victimization, including child abuse and neglect.
Close Date: March 30, 2021
OVC FY 2021 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking
The purpose of this program is to develop, expand, or strengthen victim service programs for victims of human trafficking. Applicants are invited to apply under three purpose areas.
- Purpose Area 1: Developing Capacity to Serve Human Trafficking Victims
- Purpose Area 2: Enhancing Scope of Services for Human Trafficking Victims
- Purpose Area 3: Specialized Services for Human Trafficking Victims
Close Date: March 30, 2021
OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Grants to Tribal Governments to Exercise Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction: Targeted Support for Exercising Tribes Solicitation
The OVW Grants to Tribal Governments to Exercise Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction Program (Tribal Jurisdiction Program) (CFDA# 16.025) is authorized by the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, 25 U.S.C. § 1304(f). This targeted solicitation under the Tribal Jurisdiction Program assists Indian tribes that currently are exercising special domestic violence criminal jurisdiction (SDVCJ) by providing financial support for discrete costs that result from the exercise of SDVCJ and related training and technical assistance (TTA).
Close Date: March 30, 2021
OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Grants to Tribal Governments to Exercise Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction Solicitation
The OVW Grants to Tribal Governments to Exercise Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction Program (Tribal Jurisdiction Program) (CFDA# 16.025) is authorized by the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, 25 U.S.C. § 1304(f). Through this grant program, Indian tribes receive support to exercise special domestic violence criminal jurisdiction (SDVCJ) and technical assistance (TA) for planning and implementing changes in their criminal justice systems necessary to exercise the jurisdiction. The program encourages collaborations among tribal leadership, courts, prosecutors, attorneys, defense counsel, law enforcement, probation, victim service providers, and other partners to ensure that victims find safety and justice and that non-Indians who commit crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, and violations of protection orders in the Indian country of the participating tribe are held accountable.
Close Date: March 30, 2021
OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Grant Program Solicitation
The Improving Criminal Justice System Responses to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Grant Program (ICJR Program) (CFDA# 16.590) program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. §§ 10461-10465 and implemented through regulations at 28 C.F.R. Part 90, Subpart D. The ICJR Program encourages state, local, and tribal governments and courts to treat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking as serious violations of criminal law requiring the coordinated involvement of the entire criminal justice system.
Close Date: March 31, 2021
Brady Education Foundation
The Foundation is currently accepting proposals focused on evaluating programs that have the potential of helping to close the opportunity and resulting achievement gaps associated with race and family income.
Close Date: April 1, 2021
OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Grants for Outreach and Services to Underserved Populations Solicitation
This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 20123 to develop and implement outreach strategies targeted at, and provide victim services to, adult or youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking in underserved populations. Survivors from underserved populations face challenges in accessing comprehensive and effective victim services that are accessible, culturally relevant, and responsive. As a result, survivors from underserved communities often do not receive appropriate services. The Underserved Program supports projects that address these gaps. Funds may be used to: develop or enhance population specific victim services; develop or enhance outreach strategies to reach underserved survivors; build the capacity of population specific organizations to serve survivors of these crimes; build the capacity of victim service providers to provide victim services that are population specific; train and educate community partners and the criminal justice system on the needs of survivors from underserved populations; and develop culturally and linguistically appropriate materials for underserved survivors.
Close Date: April 1, 2021
The Tech Coalition Safe Online Research Fund
We are interested in innovative research that can impact relevant policy and product development, with a priority given to research that can help inform the technology industry’s approach to combating online CSEA. This collaboration is part of the Technology Coalition’s Project Protect. Project Protect seeks to prevent and eradicate online CSEA through technology innovation, collective action, research, knowledge sharing, and increased accountability. This fund is an essential part of that process, supporting actionable research that will lead to real, lasting change for children’s digital safety.
Close Date: April 11, 2021
NIJ FY 2021 Research and Evaluation on Violence Against Women
With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for rigorous research and evaluation projects to support the development of objective and independent knowledge and validated tools to reduce violence against women (VAW) (including violence against elderly women and American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls), promote justice for victims of crime, and enhance criminal justice responses. For that reason, this solicitation seeks applications for grant funding to conduct research and evaluation projects examining a broad range of topics, including the crimes of domestic and family violence, homicide, intimate partner and dating violence, rape, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking, along with the associated criminal justice system response, procedures, and policies.
Close Date: April 13, 2021
NIJ FY 2021 Research and Evaluation on the Police Response to Homelessness
With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for rigorous research and evaluation projects to conduct exploratory research and secondary/open data analysis to assess the range of practices, strategies, and tactics used by police to respond to homelessness. Applicants must propose case studies, among other research activities, to establish the complexity and breadth of public and private agencies, organizations, and institutions connected to the police response to homelessness.
Close Date: April 19, 2021
TJ MAXX Community Mission Grant
Our Community Mission is to provide value to our communities by helping vulnerable families and children access the resources and opportunities they need to build a better future.
At this time, in addition to our support for current national and local nonprofit partners, we are accepting letters of inquiry from nonprofits seeking grant support in the following areas only:
- Basic needs for those in need (food, clothing, and shelter)
- Access to opportunities outside of school that enable school success for at-risk youth (pre-kindergarten to grade 12)
- Workforce readiness training for at-risk youth (ages 16-24)
- Safety from domestic violence (shelter, prevention, and services)
Close Date: On Going
Forecasted Grants
Victims of Human Trafficking – Services and Outreach (VHT-SO) Program
Information release date: March 22, 2021
Estimated Application Due Date: May 21, 2021