A Psychoanalytic Perspective on Human Sex Trafficking

A Scientific Meeting Presented by Dr. Vivian Pender

Course Description: 

Sex trafficking is pertinent to psychoanalysis because of its historical roots and its persistence in current culture. It can be traced to ancient civilizations, where adults and children were enslaved for labor and sex. Not until 1921 did the newly formed League of Nations make efforts to ‘suppress trafficking in women and children’.  Since then, major protocols, policies and legislation have been enacted to prevent such exploitation and prostitution of others. However, the extent of human trafficking has persisted. One might ask, why hasn’t it been eradicated?  Perhaps psychoanalysis may provide clues to the understanding of aspects such as dehumanization, sexual abuse of children, incest, misogyny and patriarchy. Several clinical cases will be presented briefly.

Learning objectives 

At the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to: 

1. Recognize common signs and symptoms of victims of human trafficking, as well as common mental health sequelae to consider

2. Identify social vulnerabilities that survivors of human trafficking face that can challenge long term recovery or pose risk to re-trafficking

CE information will be sent to all attendees the week after the event.

Refunds are available only with pre-event cancellation.

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the American Psychoanalytic Association and the Cleveland Psychoanalytic Center. The American Psychoanalytic Association is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.” The American Psychoanalytic Association designates this Live Activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.  

The Cleveland Psychoanalytic Center is approved by the Ohio Psychological Association-MCE Program to offer continuing education for psychologists.  The Cleveland Psychoanalytic Center as Approved Provider 18PO-341019020, maintains responsibility for the program.  This event provides 1.5 CE to psychologists. The State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board accepts this approval for licensees. This event provides 1.5 CE to counselors and social workers only. 

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION FOR ALL LEARNERS: The APsA CE Committee has reviewed the materials for accredited continuing education and has determined that this activity is not related to the product line of ineligible companies and therefore, the activity meets the exception outlined in Standard 3: ACCME's identification, mitigation and disclosure of relevant financial relationship. This activity does not have any known commercial support.