Symposium Presentations

Here are the presentations from Saturday’s symposium at Christ the King Catholic Church:

Symposium Questions/Answers

1) What do ads for such things (sex ads) look like, and how can we recognize them? Are all of them online?
Ads for commercial sex, including those linked to trafficking, often use coded language and phrases to disguise the true nature of the activity. They might include phrases like “new in town,” “fresh,” or “young,” and highlight specific services or features without outright stating the illegal activity. Photos might be overly suggestive, heavily edited, or cropped to conceal identities. Ads often appear on specific websites, social media platforms, and even encrypted messaging apps.

Not all ads are online; some are still circulated through word-of-mouth, business cards, or even physical locations like strip clubs or massage parlors operating illicitly. Awareness training can help individuals learn to identify these patterns and report them effectively.

2) For future tech employees, what are some ways to get involved in the process/task force?
Tech professionals can play a critical role in combating trafficking. They can help by:

• Assisting in Investigations: Joining teams that analyze data from ads, encrypted communication, and suspicious online activity.
• Developing Tools: Creating AI-based solutions to detect trafficking patterns, flag keywords, or monitor dark web activity.
• Collaboration: Partnering with law enforcement, nonprofits, and tech companies already focused on trafficking prevention, like Thorn or Polaris.
• Education and Advocacy: Participating in hackathons, conferences, or workshops aimed at anti-trafficking technology solutions.
  Networking with state task forces and nonprofits is a great way to learn about volunteer or professional roles in this space.

3) Why do victims of kidnapping not want to talk or ask for help?
Victims of trafficking or kidnapping may remain silent for several reasons:

• Fear and Threats: Traffickers often use intimidation, violence, or threats against the victim or their family to ensure compliance.
• Drug Dependency: Some traffickers deliberately create substance dependency in their victims, making them reliant on their captors.
• Trauma Bonding: Victims may develop a psychological attachment to their traffickers due to manipulation or dependency.
• Shame and Stigma: Many victims feel ashamed of their situation or fear they won’t be believed.
• Cultural Barriers: Victims from different backgrounds might mistrust law enforcement or feel isolated due to language barriers.
  Understanding these factors is essential to building trust with victims and encouraging them to speak out.

4) Northwest Arkansas has become very diverse in terms of culture. Many African communities view talking about sex as taboo. How do we reach these communities? How can the Catholic Church recognize this issue and build a sense of community? Their children are disappearing at a very high rate.
Addressing this issue requires cultural sensitivity and community engagement:

• Community Leaders: Partner with trusted leaders in the African and faith-based communities to spread awareness in a way that respects cultural norms.
• Education: Offer culturally appropriate workshops that discuss the dangers of trafficking and missing children, framed as child safety and protection.
• Faith-Based Partnerships: Work with churches, including the Catholic Church, to create programs that normalize discussions about safety and trafficking prevention without using stigmatizing language.
• Visibility: Ensure that anti-trafficking resources are available in multiple languages, with imagery and outreach campaigns that resonate with diverse communities.
• Youth Programs: Develop youth-focused initiatives in schools and churches to educate children on recognizing and avoiding trafficking risks.
  Collaboration with trusted organizations and the church can provide a sense of security and foster dialogue within these communities.

5) If I were to recognize the hand signal you told us about, what is the first thing to do? Maybe it would be at the mall, a gas station, or big box store…call 911 or the state police? Call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888