Date
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Name
Survivors of Sex Trafficking and Reintegration: Moving from Safe Spaces to Brave Spaces
Track
Physical and Mental Health
Connie Rose
Description

Survivors of sex trafficking often face significant challenges long after they exit exploitation. As professionals working in prevention, intervention, healthcare, child welfare, education, law enforcement, advocacy, and survivor services, participants play a critical role in helping survivors move beyond safety toward lasting healing and community reintegration. This presentation examines reintegration through a trauma-informed, survivor-centered lens, highlighting the transition from simply providing safe spaces to creating brave spaces where survivors are empowered to heal, reclaim their identities, and thrive. This session will provide attendees with a deeper understanding of the complex barriers survivors encounter, including trauma, housing instability, healthcare access, employment, relationships, and community acceptance. Through survivor perspectives, current research, and evidence-informed practices, participants will explore how trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches can transform "safe spaces" into "brave spaces" where survivors can rebuild their lives with dignity, hope, and purpose. Participants will leave with practical strategies to strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration, enhance survivor engagement, and implement approaches that promote resilience, reduce revictimization, and support long-term restoration within their own organizations and communities.