Date of Award

5-11-2018

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Public Health

First Advisor

Dr. Shanta R. Dube

Second Advisor

Mustafa Rahimi

Abstract

Introduction: Human trafficking is a multibillion dollar industry that enslaves 20.9 million people across the globe. Trafficking is defined as the recruitment, harboring, transportation, or receipt of persons using force, fraud or coercion for forced labor or sexual exploitation. The average age of a trafficking victim is 12-17 years; therefore, most resources are geared towards them. As the victim ages, he/she is more likely to be abandoned by their captors and with the lack of consolidated resources they are more likely to be re-trafficked or enter into prostitution.

Aim: The final product of this capstone will be the compilation of evidence-informed resources for a mobile application, which can be utilized by victims of human trafficking. It will consolidate tools and resources necessary to assist with recovery.

Methods: Market research and a series of informal interviews with the stakeholders were conducted prior to starting the capstone. Currently, mobile apps like the proposed one do not exist on the market. Literature review was conducted to identify valid and reliable assessment tools and resources by accessing governmental websites and attending local forums/ panels on human trafficking.

Results: The proposed mobile application will be built using an existing platform and will include a valid risk assessment, an ecological momentary assessment, safety planning tools, a journal and informative videos. It will also include contact information on group homes/shelters, legal aid and immigration assistance.

Discussion: The content will be housed on an existing mobile platform developed by the Capstone Chair. A feasibility study will be conducted with a local metro-Atlanta based advocacy group that serves aged out human trafficking victims. This study will test for the acceptability of the mobile application and readability of the assessment tool.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/12049428

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