Matthew Cohen, MSW

Matthew Cohen, MSW

Social Justice Solutions | Staff Writer
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Sex Trafficking…and Is our profession informed and prepared?

Transcript for tonight’s twitter debate on #swunited, sponsered by socialworkhelper.com and socialjusticesolutions

Looking at Sex Trafficking and sex workers and how we can become more informed.

  1. Cathy Finley
    justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/rs/rep… stats from here in Canada
    an hour ago
  2. swhelpercom
    Welcome Everyone to the #SWUnited…Tonight we are talking about Sex trafficking in America and it’s prevalence #swunited
  3. swhelpercom
    I was watching @MHPshow when I saw @fairgirlstalking about Sex Trafficking and a young lady was strong advocate had escaped #swunited
  4. swhelpercom
    What was amazing is that she is earning a BSW as well as a Bachelors in Political Sci #swunited
  5. swhelpercom
    It really goes to show that #socialwork is the profession of hope. #swunited
  6. swhelpercom
    Q1..Is our profession trained to identify, prevent, and treat former victims of slave trafficking? #swunited
  7. SJSworks
    #swunited will try to be in and out as much as possible, in class:(
  8. swhelpercom
    Q2. What is the difference or is there a difference between Sex Trafficking and Prostitution? #swunited
  9. Brooktini84
    RT @swhelpercom: RT @swhelpercom: It really goes to show that #socialwork is the profession of hope.#swunited
  10. swhelpercom
    Q3. How can we become more informed on this issue?#swunited
  11. swhelpercom
    Feel free to chime in and give your opinion #swunited
  12. SJSworks
    #swunited, although sexual assualt is highly covered, I do not think sex traffic is covered much.
  13. SJSworks
    #swunited at the heart of both matters is belief, by men that woman are commodities for them to aquire.
  14. swhelpercom
    @Andrew_Ellery @PatrickStrud Andrew we are having a Twitter debate…will you use #swunited so everyone can see your response. I did RT
  15. SJSworks
    #swunited, in many ways woman have taken on the beliefs of oppressors when buying into the conception of material beauty
  16. swhelpercom
    @SJSworks This is true…there is a misconception that girls and women are the only victims. Boys and Men subjected as well #swunited
  17. swhelpercom
    Last night…I took a poll question on my knowledge and perceptions of Sex Trafficking. #swunited
  18. swhelpercom
    In your minds..How does sex trafficking and prostitution differ? #swunited
  19. Andrew_Ellery
    @swhelpercom so sorry. Must sleep now though. Would love to join debate. Will catch up on it another time. Good night all #swunited x
  20. Alta_LMSW
    RT @swhelpercom: RT @swhelpercom: It really goes to show that #socialwork is the profession of hope.#swunited
  21. swhelpercom
    @Alta_LMSW glad to see you in the stream #swunited
  22. SJSworks
    #swunited, on the surface they seem different, but prostitution is sex traffic on a more institutional level
  23. swhelpercom
    @Andrew_Ellery No problem maybe another time#swunited
  24. swhelpercom
    @SJSworks I actually agree…This is big business especially with the advent of technology. #swunited
  25. E_ThomasBrown
    RT @SJSworks: #swunited, on the surface they seem different, but prostitution is sex traffic on a more institutional level
  26. swhelpercom
    Until the cost of Sex Trafficking exceeds profit…I fear it will only increase #swunited
  27. swhelpercom
    RT @SJSworks: RT @SJSworks: #swunited, on the surface they seem different, but prostitution is sex traffic on a more institutional level
  28. anntieup
    @swhelpercom sex workers choose to be prostitutes. Trafficking is involuntary. #swunited
  29. swhelpercom
    @anntieup But…how much is it really a choice for sex workers. Is there an assumption that prostitutes want their job #swunited
  30. SJSworks
    @anntieup @swhelpercom #swunited, on the surface, again, it appears if if they choose, and yet institutional forces are leading them there
  31. Andrew_Ellery
    @swhelpercom definitely another time, no maybe about it :-) #swunited. Very interesting topic tonight. Enjoy everyone.
  32. Relando_T
    @swhelpercom sex trafficking is involuntary. I know that’s one stark difference #swunited
  33. Relando_T
    RT @SJSworks: RT @SJSworks: #swunited, on the surface they seem different, but prostitution is sex traffic on a more institutional level
  34. Relando_T
    RT @swhelpercom: RT @swhelpercom: @SJSworks I actually agree…This is big business especially with the advent of technology. #swunited
  35. swhelpercom
    How many prostitutes enjoy benefits, retirement package, raises….Do they not suffer the same abuse?#swunited
  36. swhelpercom
    @Relando_T Thanks for joining #swunited
  37. swhelpercom
    @anntieup Thank for joining in…always glad to see ya#swunited twubs.com/swunited
  38. Relando_T
    RT @swhelpercom: RT @swhelpercom: How many prostitutes enjoy benefits, retirement package, raises….Do they not suffer the same abuse? #swunited
  39. Relando_T
    @swhelpercom yes sorry I’m late, just getting back home #swunited
  40. swhelpercom
    Well…it’s a touchy topic I think. Prostitution has been glamorized through tv and Sex victims are often pictured as overseas #swunited
  41. swhelpercom
    children and women brought to the US from other countries #swunited
  42. swhelpercom
    As social workers are we prepared/informed to identify and treat these victims #swunited
  43. Andrew_Ellery
    @swhelpercom different abuse I think. Prostitution forces Self destruction. Same in terms of vulnerability being exploited. #swunited
  44. Relando_T
    @swhelpercom meanwhile many suffer in silence here at home #swunited
  45. RootedinBeing
    @Relando_T @swhelpercom Including talking about sex trafficking.
  46. Andrew_Ellery
    @swhelpercom impact of abuse should be measured according to circumstances… if anything this helps aid recovery from trauma #swunited
  47. swhelpercom
    @Andrew_Ellery Let’s explore that perspective, Do we think of Prostitutes as being self-employed therefore not a victim? #swunited
  48. swhelpercom
    If we do not challenge the perception of sex victim vs prostitute, is age the only distinction? #swunited
  49. swhelpercom
    How do we identify the difference in our practice?#swunited
  50. RootedinBeing
    @Relando_T @swhelpercom Not all prostitution is sex trafficking, but ALL sex trafficking prostitution.
  51. Andrew_Ellery
    @swhelpercom they definitely are a victim, don’t get me wrong. However they can lose control… leading to substance misuse, crime, increase
  52. RootedinBeing
    @Relando_T @swhelpercom If we want to address sex trafficking in the States then we need to be working with prostituted women in our cities
  53. swhelpercom
    @RootedinBeing @Relando_T How do we identify, treat, and prevent sliding someone in one category or the other #swunited
  54. Andrew_Ellery
    @swhelpercom vulnerability which in turn leads to less ability to understand their lifestyle as them being exploited #swunited
  55. Andrew_Ellery
    @swhelpercom vulnerability which in turn leads to less ability to understand their lifestyle as them being exploited #swunited
  56. swhelpercom
    @RootedinBeing @Relando_T goo.gl/GQhGA Here is an article about Sex trafficking in the States. #SWunited
  57. RootedinBeing
    @swhelpercom NO! COERCION is the distinction! There are plenty of grown women being sex trafficked in the States!
  58. RootedinBeing
    @swhelpercom And they are called “prostitutes.”
  59. swhelpercom
    @RootedinBeing dont forget to use #SWunited in your tweets so everyone can see.
  60. RootedinBeing
    @swhelpercom @Relando_T By talking with the women who are in prostitution. Doing outreach, getting to know them and who their pimps are.
  61. RootedinBeing
    @swhelpercom @Relando_T Building trust, being a consistent presence, offering services. And listening.
  62. RootedinBeing
    @swhelpercom @Relando_T Victims aren’t going to say “I’m being trafficked.”
  63. swhelpercom
    If you haven’t read the article on Asia Graves in USA Today goo.gl/GQhGA Please read it’s powerful#swunited
  64. swhelpercom
    Recap former sex slave is earning a BSW and Bachelors in Political Sci. #swunited
  65. swhelpercom
    She was trafficked in early age and suffered sex abuse in early age, but did not escape until she was older.#swunited
  66. Andrew_Ellery
    @swhelpercom and extreme porn on net has perhaps led to people viewing sex as a ‘do as you please’ act. Overlooking whether someone wants it
  67. swhelpercom
    In her case…how would a professional distinguish between sex slave and prostitution ring #swunited
  68. swhelpercom
    I lean towards they are the same thing. Despite it being legal in Nevada #swunited
  69. swhelpercom
    @RootedinBeing has made several great points#SWunited. Don’t forget to add to response so everyone can view #swunited
  70. swhelpercom
    @Andrew_Ellery UK time…it’s pretty late #SWunited
  71. Andrew_Ellery
    @swhelpercom I would agree although some key differences I would say.
  72. RootedinBeing
    @swhelpercom I think we need to address the hierarchy within the sex industry, and abolish the mass amounts of people exploited by it.
  73. swhelpercom
    This is one resource that I found as I feel that I need more education in this area. It’s not really covered in our training #swunited
  74. Andrew_Ellery
    @swhelpercom 1:45am! Would rather be tired tomorrow than miss out on brief learning on a topic I am very unfamiliar with :) #swunited
  75. Andrew_Ellery
    @swhelpercom 1:45am! Would rather be tired tomorrow than miss out on brief learning on a topic I am very unfamiliar with :) #swunited
  76. swhelpercom
    polarisproject.org/human-tr… This seems to be a good resource to help us recognize the signs of this vulnerable population #swunited
  77. MarcLaferriere
    @RootedinBeing @swhelpercom actually the preferred term seems to be “sex worker” at least in Canada
  78. swhelpercom
    @Polaris_Project This is a good resource for us to start with and help #socialwork become more informed#swunited
  79. MarcLaferriere
    RT @swhelpercom: RT @swhelpercom: If you haven’t read the article on Asia Graves in USA Todaygoo.gl/GQhGA Please read it’s powerful #swunited
  80. swhelpercom
    @MarcLaferriere @RootedinBeing In your opinion does Canada make a distinction between sex workers and prostitution #SWunited
  81. Andrew_Ellery
    @swhelpercom @anntieup does environment and circumstances covertly force people into prostitution. Traffickers know what they intend to do
  82. shortie07
    RT @AngeLuvsAll: RT @AngeLuvsAll: @swhelpercomTrue, conversion therapy is a form of Bullying. Remember history. Everyone has different DNA, finger print …
  83. swhelpercom
    Sorry everyone…a lot of folks are on my twitter stream discussing sex trafficking on #SWunited about 10 min left #swunited
  84. shortie07
    RT @swhelpercom: RT @swhelpercom: It really goes to show that #socialwork is the profession of hope.#swunited
  85. swhelpercom
    @RootedinBeing I will definitely repost on the SWH Blog#swunited
  86. RootedinBeing
    @swhelpercom Another post I wrote about the issue. Titled Dear Feminists: almostclever.wordpress.com/…#swunited
  87. RootedinBeing
    @swhelpercom Another post I wrote about the issue. Titled Dear Feminists: almostclever.wordpress.com/…#swunited
  88. MarcLaferriere
    @swhelpercom @rootedinbeing for those who willingly and empowering lay pursue that work its “sex work” which is legal in CND w restrictions.
  89. swhelpercom
    @Andrew_Ellery @anntieup I think so…prior abuse and poverty makes vulnerable to be trafficked. #SWunited
  90. swhelpercom
    RT @RootedinBeing: RT @RootedinBeing:@swhelpercom Another post I wrote about the issue. Titled Dear Feminists: almostclever.wordpress.com/…#swunited
  91. Relando_T
    RT @RootedinBeing: RT @RootedinBeing:@swhelpercom Another post I wrote about the issue. Titled Dear Feminists: almostclever.wordpress.com/…#swunited
  92. swhelpercom
    Is anyone aware of any studies with prostitutes? Just wondering how much abuse is a factor. #swunited
  93. RootedinBeing
    @MarcLaferriere @swhelpercom There is a hierarchy in the sex industry. WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT
  94. MarcLaferriere
    @swhelpercom @rootedinbeing the restrictions however put many women in danger when communicating around sex.
  95. MarcLaferriere
    @swhelpercom @rootedinbeing Some court cases may change things tho and provide more safety. #LetsHope
  96. swhelpercom
    Well its time to close, but one last question…Is our profession equipped to treat victims of the trade#swunited
  97. swhelpercom
    I am going to archive the conversation atsocialworkchats.com for anyone who wants to review all responses #swunited
  98. swhelpercom
    We had a lot of responses, but not all under #SWunited. I will add all to the archive #swunited
  99. Andrew_Ellery
    RT @swhelpercom: RT @swhelpercom: I am going to archive the conversation at socialworkchats.com for anyone who wants to review all responses #swunited
  100. swhelpercom
    Thank you to all who participated. We will have another#SWunited Twitter chat next Monday at 8PM EST#swunited
  101. swhelpercom
    Next week’s debate will be discussing the outcomes and thoughts on Wednesday nights Presidential Debate.#swunited
  102. swhelpercom
    Good night everyone #swunited
  103. RootedinBeing
    @MarcLaferriere @swhelpercom I would invite you to read the two blog posts I have shared on this issue, and then we can discuss more.
  104. Andrew_Ellery
    @swhelpercom yes. Specialist, substantial accredited training would enhance our professional ‘toolkit’. Working together internationally key
  105. Andrew_Ellery
    RT @swhelpercom: RT @swhelpercom: Thank you to all who participated. We will have another #SWunitedTwitter chat next Monday at 8PM EST #swunited

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  1. - Partner Organization Socialworkhelper October 1, 2012

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