Social Justice and Spiritual Healing: Using Micro and Macro Social Work Practice to Reduce Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking

Authors: Perdue, Tasha; Prior, Michael; Williamson, Celia & Sherman, Sandra

Abstract: An estimated 1,078 youth are trafficked from Ohio annually. The Northwest Ohio Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force has recovered more than 80 youth from Toledo alone. As a result, in recent years, Toledo, Ohio, has been identified as a hub for recruitment of domestic minor youth into the sex trade. Because Ohio lacked a state anti-trafficking law, there has been a lack of established procedures, and most communities are still not well educated regarding the issue. Addressing domestic minor sex trafficking has seemed daunting. Despite these challenges, Toledo has achieved significant progress by incorporating micro and macro level social ministry practice into the fight for social justice for trafficking victims in the community. Through blending the services of the faith-based community and social work organizations, our local program, "Second Chance," has incorporated comprehensive relief and personal development services into micro practice, including a program offering spiritual healing, intensive case management, empowerment and advocacy to victims. To support this work, community development and systemic macro practice change efforts including coalition building, collaboration with the FBI, policy development, community education, and legislative reform efforts were undertaken. We attribute the success of our micro and macro practice efforts to our faith, our knowledge of social work practice, and our vision of a just society.

Keywords: coalition, faith, justice, macro, micro, minors, sexual trafficking, spirituality, youth