Content Warning: This episode contains mature subject matter intended only for mature audiences. If you or someone you know is dealing with sexual abuse or human traficking, please seek professional help and support. There are links for organizations that may help in our show notes. And your local children's services organization can help as well. If you or someone you know are in an immediate life-threatening situation, please call 911. If you or someone you know are having a mental health crisis, please call 988. About the Guest(s): Christi Scott Bartman: Christi Scott Bartman is the founder of Eyes Up Appalachia, an initiative aimed at addressing human trafficking, especially in the Appalachian counties of Ohio. With a rich background in academia and a pivotal experience at Bowling Green State University where she learned about human trafficking, Christi transitioned into an advocacy role and has since worked closely with legislation and community organizations to raise awareness and combat the issue. Collaborating extensively with survivors and state agencies, she is committed to reshaping the narrative and providing resources to vulnerable populations. Episode Summary: In this episode of "School Wellness," host Amanda Hampton engages with Christi Scott Bartman, the visionary behind Eyes Up Appalachia, to shed light on human trafficking and its impact on Ohio's communities, particularly in the Appalachian region. Christi shares her journey from academia to advocacy, inspired by a student's project that highlighted the prevalence of human trafficking. This episode delves into the various facets of trafficking, dispelling common misconceptions and emphasizing the localized nature of the issue. With a passion for education and prevention, Christi unveils efforts to create awareness, educate communities, and foster collaborations across state lines. Throughout the discussion, Christi highlights the significance of understanding the definition of human trafficking, explaining that it involves compelling individuals into commercial sex, labor, or services through fraud, force, or coercion. She notes that, contrary to popular belief driven by mainstream media portrayals such as "Sound of Freedom" and "Taken," trafficking is often a localized issue, deeply rooted in community dynamics. Special focus is given to familial trafficking in Appalachian areas, where economic desperation often leads to distressing situations involving family members. With references to Ohio's distinct approach to legislation and community partnerships, Christi offers a comprehensive overview of the resources available, including collaborations with the Ohio Network of Children's Advocacy Centers, and relink.org. Key Takeaways: Localized Human Trafficking: Human trafficking is not just an international issue but a local community problem, often involving familiar perpetrators. Familial Trafficking: In Appalachian regions, the phenomenon of familial trafficking is alarmingly prevalent, involving situations where family members engage in trafficking. Education and Partnerships: Through Eyes Up Appalachia, Christi Scott Bartman advocates for educational efforts and partnerships with local organizations to address trafficking effectively. Community Involvement: Communities play a vital role, needing to form multidisciplinary teams to create support networks that protect and prevent trafficking. Data and Research: Gathering accurate data remains a challenge due to silos and inconsistent reporting methods. Notable Quotes: "What we are seeing in Appalachia is concerningly tied to familial trafficking…a lot of it looks vastly different than what's portrayed in movies like Taken." "Our mission is simple: Illuminate, educate, and activate against human trafficking." "Children with childhood sexual assault history are highly vulnerable, and often subsequent trafficking goes unnoticed." "For educators, be that safe adult—the positive influence they remember, like a kind bus driver." "The community's role in establishing a safety net is indispensable; collaboration across disciplines is crucial." Resources: Eyes Up Appalachia: Website Ohio Network of Children's Advocacy Centers University of Toledo Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute Relink.org: Website Foundation for Appalachian Ohio Appalachian Children Coalition Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention For more insight into the critical topic of human trafficking and the impactful work being done in Ohio's communities, listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more informative and thought-provoking discussions in future episodes of the "School Wellness" podcast.
