Hoffman, Kylee, Myriah Johnson, Melissa Heyer and MyaLezay Rodriguez

Title:
A Research Protocol for Investigating the Impact of Transportation Systems on Human Trafficking in Flagstaff

Abstract:
Human trafficking is a significant social problem effecting millions of victims all across the globe. At present, however, little is known about how road transit systems (i.e. highways) affect human trafficking. The purpose of this proposed study is to understand how road transit systems impact rates and/or detection of human trafficking in Flagstaff, Arizona. For this mixed-methods study, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with participants of human trafficking survivors and transportation employees, enhanced by secondary data analysis of local statistics. Using nonprobability sampling methods, participants will be recruited through various local agencies and will be determined based on the point of saturation. Semi-structured research interviews will be audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to be coded into nominal data. This will be supported by the local statistics and further correlational tests. Previous research has shown a significant relationship between various transportation methods and trafficking, which leads us to anticipate finding a significant relationship in the use of major highways and trafficking. This will be furthered by anticipated reports of particular transportation methods, highway accessibility, and local missing persons reports. Findings from this study will highlight areas of prevention on behalf of social workers and city action, as well as intervention focus areas. Limitations include accessing the hidden population as well as ensuring accurate, representative local statistics. With the study being focused on a particular city, great efforts can be made to combat the issue of human trafficking with room for future studies and applications of solutions worldwide.

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