The Realities of Commercial Sexual Exploitation, Substance Use, & Justice Involvement in Boston: A Massachusetts Trial Court Response
Panelists
- Sheila Casey, Director, Specialty Courts Department, Massachusetts Trial Court
- Hon. Lisa Ann Grant, Roxbury Division, Boston Municipal Court
- Sandra Andrade, Senior Peer Advocate, Dee Kennedy Project
- Katie Bryce, Project Coordinator, Dee Kennedy Project
- Tasha Thomas, Peer Advocate, Dee Kennedy Project
The victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation who become entangled with the justice system are often afflicted with substance-abuse disorders that make them especially vulnerable to manipulation and mistreatment. In Suffolk County, the Dee Kennedy Project, an initiative of the Massachusetts Trial Court, works to help such justice-involved adults to find supportive pathways to exit Commercial Sexual Exploitation.
The program will describe the dynamics between Commercial Sexual Exploitation and substance abuse disorders, including the tactics exploiters use to keep others in exploitative situations, the barriers this stigmatized population faces in the courts and community, and the difficulties individuals face when attempting to exit.
Case studies from Dee Kennedy Project referrals will be useful for program attendees to help identify issues around victims’ exploitation history, criminal history, and their current needs for short-term stabilization, as well as their long-term needs related to housing, criminal record relief, and civil legal services.
The program will also highlight a variety of helpful services provided by the Dee Kennedy Project provided by peer advocates/recovery coaches who work to help referrals achieve short and long-term goals at their own pace, whether it be related to safety, exiting, access to social services, or to the referral’s justice-involvement.
Panelists will also provide useful data including demographic information, types of charges, incarceration history, probation status, substance use history, and exploitation history of those caught up in Commercial Sexual Exploitation.
CPCS credit is pending.
CLE credit, when applicable, is only granted when 80% of the live webinar is attended.
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