Audra Doody, Safe Exit Initiative
Honorable Cristian Eduardo, US Advisory Council on Human Trafficking
Melanie Thompson, Sex Trade Survivors Caucus (STSC), Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW)
Yasmin Vafa, Rights4Girls/Shared Hope International JuST Response Council
This workshop panel brings together sex trade survivor leaders and policy experts to explore survivor-centered strategies for preventing trafficking and addressing the demand that fuels sexual exploitation. Panelists will discuss innovative anti-demand approaches being implemented across the country to deter sex buying, hold exploiters accountable, and expand support and resources for survivors. The session will also highlight emerging survivor-centered legislative efforts aimed at preventing violence against women and vulnerable youth, challenging harmful cultural attitudes, and advancing long-term community safety and accountability. Grounded in survivor expertise and cross-sector collaboration, attendees will gain practical tools, policy insights, and prevention-focused strategies to disrupt trafficking and exploitation.