Description

Beyond the Blind Spots: Racial Equity in the Anti-Trafficking Movement

Presented by: Jessica Lomelin

Jessica Lomelin | Director of Human Trafficking Programs, Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence

 

Please join us virtually for ICADV's Beyond the Blind Spots: Racial Equity in the Anti-Trafficking Movement on October 27, 2026!

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Training Description

 

This presentation will discuss how racial inequities shape both vulnerability to human trafficking and the systems designed to address it. It highlights how communities of color are disproportionately impacted yet often overlooked in anti-trafficking efforts. This presentation will explore the difference between equality and equity, understand how systemic racism increases risk and reduces access to support, and identify biases in victim identification and service delivery. The presentation will also challenge common misconceptions about human trafficking, including the belief that it only affects women and involves sex trafficking, emphasizing the realities of labor trafficking and the trafficking of men and boys, which are frequently invisible in public discourse and institutional responses. This presentation will also discuss culturally responsive care, survivor leadership, and available resources, highlighting strategies that center the experiences and voices of Latinx communities. Finally, participants will be invited to reflect on racial blind spots within their own work, analyze real-world scenarios, and collaborate on actionable strategies to advance justice, inclusion, and racial equity within the anti-trafficking movement. 

 

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Speaker Bio

 

 

Jessica Lomelin (she/her/ella) is a bilingual licensed social worker and passionate advocate for survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, currently serving as Director of Human Trafficking Programs at the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV). With more than a decade of experience in crisis intervention, victim advocacy, program development, and systems coordination, she leads training and technical assistance initiatives that strengthen survivor-centered services across Illinois. Jessica also serves as Co-Chair of the Illinois Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force and is a Board Member of Mil Mujeres. She holds a Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and is committed to advancing racial equity, amplifying survivor voices, and building systems rooted in dignity, compassion, and justice. She is also the creator and host of No Me Callo / I Won’t Stay Quiet, a bilingual podcast focused on human trafficking prevention, awareness, healing, and resilience.

 

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Training Schedule*

October 27, 2026 | 1:00pm - 2:30pm

 

*ICADV Members: Please sign in to Coalition Manager prior to registering. If you do not have an account in Coalition Manager, please email [email protected] for assistance.

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Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

1.5 CEUs are available for attending the webinar. To request CEUs for attending this training, as you register, select "Yes" from the CEU drop-down menu, then fill in the number of CEUs you are requesting based on your expected participation. Adjustments will be made to reflect absences, tardiness or early departure from sessions. At this time, ICADV is offering CEUs for the following certifications: CDVP, CPAIP, LSW/LCSW, and LPC/LCPC.  

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