Human trafficking is a crime that preys on vulnerabilities and although it cuts across age, ethnicity, race and socioeconomic status, Black girls have an increased vulnerability to sexual exploitation as a result of racism and systematic oppression. Although Black women and girls make up 13% of the US population, they represent 40% of sex trafficking victims and account for 51% of prostitution arrests. Black girls are oversexualized, dehumanized and often treated as criminals rather than being allowed to exist in environments which provide hope and healing.
We each have a shared responsibility to combat human trafficking. In order to prevent trafficking and work to create environments for survivors to thrive, we must address the root causes of trafficking.
Through the use of personal testimony, video clips, and group dialogue, the presenter will lead the audience in exploring the experiences of trafficking and sexual exploitation for Black girls and explore the racial roots that contribute to the dehumanization and sexualization of Black girls. Participants will recognize how systematic oppression increases vulnerability to the push/pull factors of human trafficking and evaluate the use of trauma and survivor informed approaches in order to avoid re-traumatization and build resilience.
https://frumtherapist.com/workshops/Whatsthe2/viewWhat’s the Value of a Black Girl? – How Racism and Systemic Oppression Increase Black Girls Vulnerability to Sexual Exploitation & Sex Trafficking
Sunday, March 15, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT - 1:00 PM EDT
Presenter: Crystal Rozelle-Bennett
Course Length: 3 Hours
This workshop Offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
Human trafficking is a crime that preys on vulnerabilities and although it cuts across age, ethnicity, race and socioeconomic status, Black girls have an increased vulnerability to sexual exploitation as a result of racism and systematic oppression. Although Black women and girls make up 13% of the US population, they represent 40% of sex trafficking victims and account for 51% of prostitution arrests. Black girls are oversexualized, dehumanized and often treated as criminals rather than being allowed to exist in environments which provide hope and healing.
We each have a shared responsibility to combat human trafficking. In order to prevent trafficking and work to create environments for survivors to thrive, we must address the root causes of trafficking.
Through the use of personal testimony, video clips, and group dialogue, the presenter will lead the audience in exploring the experiences of trafficking and sexual exploitation for Black girls and explore the racial roots that contribute to the dehumanization and sexualization of Black girls. Participants will recognize how systematic oppression increases vulnerability to the push/pull factors of human trafficking and evaluate the use of trauma and survivor informed approaches in order to avoid re-traumatization and build resilience.
Defining Human Trafficking (30 minutes) - Interactive Activity & Guided Discussion
At the Intersections of Power, Privilege and Oppression (45 minutes) - Case Example, Reflection Activity & Guided Discussion
Assessing Harm in Therapeutic Supports & Responses (45 minutes) - Case Examples, Reflection on Professional Practices/Responses; Guided Large Group Discussion
Shifting Power and Action Steps (60 minutes) - Guided Discussion, Evaluating Engagement Approaches
