The Spectrum of Exploitation – WAGE funded project
The Spectrum of Exploitation (SOE) is as assessment and reflection tool that was developed by co-chairs of an anti-trafficking coalition in London Ontario in 2018 in response to the need to develop a common non-stigmatizing language to talk about and define human trafficking and to build capacity to collect consistent, coherent data. The Spectrum tool places emphasis broadly on exploitation to be more inclusive and to look for ‘push factors’ that create the conditions for exploitation. In theory, by understanding the conditions that underlie exploitation, primary and secondary prevention interventions and strategies will become more visible and differentiated. This will allow for advancing inclusive policies and practices more directly informed by lived experience.
In 2020, Anova was awarded funding by Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) for a three-year project to test, refine and evaluate the tool.
The project will be informed by a research committee with representatives from:
• Anova
• Atlohsa Family Healing Services
• Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children, Western University
• Legal Assistance of Windsor
• Ministry for Social Justice, Peace, and Care of Earth Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto
• Migrants’ Resource Centre Canada (MRCC)
• SWAN Vancouver
• Gender, Trauma and Violence Knowledge Incubator, Western University
The three- year project will allow multi-sector testing by accessing organizations working to support victims of exploitation. The project will explore the transformative potential of the tool to directly support and empower survivors of sexual and labour exploitation, and to influence/inform the professionals who are providing service. The actions will support positive distribution of authority, voices and decision-making power of survivors. Outcomes will inform policy-setting with a comprehensive evidence base.
