Hometown: Whiteville, NC

Year in School: Junior

Major: Communication, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship

Project Abstract:

This research explores how and what human trafficking prevention programs can do to combat communication barriers between human trafficking victims and law enforcement officers in North Carolina. We compiled data on the most common communication barriers, the available prevention programs in North Carolina, and what communication barrier each program targeted. In addition, we surveyed law enforcement officers to collect information on their engagement with prevention programs.    

Through our research we identified cultural or language differences, lack of adequate resources or services, and lack of trust as the top three communication barriers. Of the 18 prevention programs identified in North Carolina, 4 targeted the significant barriers. As for the survey, while all participants believed that law enforcement had an important role in preventing trafficking, only 50 percent of officers have received any human trafficking prevention training.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Bethany Davidson, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Sport Management, and Hospitality and Tourism Management