Psychologist/Humanitarian Disaster Expert Available to Discuss Hurricane Michael and Human Trafficking

People know that communities affected by weather disasters like Hurricane Michael are in danger and need aid to rebuild.

But psychologist Jamie Aten, founder and director of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College in Illinois, says many don’t realize that such disasters often fuel the human rights violations of sex and labor trafficking.

“The dark reality is that not all are there to help,” Aten says. “Some will likely be human traffickers ready to swoop in and exploit the vulnerable.”

In this blog post, Aten and colleague Laura Leonard identify three factors that often fuel demand for sex and labor trafficking: significant damage, mass displacement of survivors, and an influx of outsiders. Aten and Leonard offer tips for recognizing the tactics of potential human traffickers, identifying people who are at risk, and stopping trafficking.

Dr. Aten is available to discuss the connection between weather/humanitarian disasters and human trafficking, as well as the psychological and spiritual needs faced by those who have suffered from disasters. To schedule an interview, contact Wheaton College Director of Media Relations LaTonya Taylor at media.relations@wheaton.edu.