The voices of lived experience experts are integral to refining the response to CSEC and how professionals offer services to aid in CSEC victims’ healing journey.
This month, we are proud to bring together CAC and multidisciplinary team (MDT) professionals for another Lived Experience Expert Lunch & Learn Series, focused on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.
Over the past four years, this series has provided a unique opportunity for professionals to learn directly from experts whose lived experiences bring critical insight, perspective, and expertise to the work of investigating CSEC and helping young people heal.
When professionals listen to survivors, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex realities CSEC victims face, including barriers that can make seeking help or engaging with services difficult. This year’s lineup of experts will challenge assumptions and strengthen our response to children and families.
Featured experts include:
- Aja Houle: Trafficking Amongst Peers: Recruitment, Resistance and Resiliency
Attendees will learn how and where peer recruitment happens, and techniques and strategies to addressing resistance. - Tiffany Parker: Coercion in the Name of Faith
This training will help professionals identify and address spiritual abuse in trafficking cases. - Josie Feemster: Working with Resistant CSEC Youth
This session encourages participants to ask, “what does safety look like from this young person’s perspective?” It explores the trauma, exploitation, loss and experiences of systems that have failed to meet CSEC victims’ needs, and why that often results in resistance to services.
PennCAC’s Lunch & Learn Series are an opportunity for MDT and CAC professionals to engage in meaningful conversations and gain practical insights from survivors with lived experience.
We thank our presenters for sharing their experiences and wisdom with our CAC and MDT professionals. Their voices help us find a deeper understanding of the experiences of the young people we serve and remind us that listening is an essential part of our work.
Are you a CAC or MDT professional? Explore upcoming training opportunities on our Events & Trainings page. You must have or create a Coalition Manager account to register for trainings.