At the Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery (HTMS) at the University of Central Florida, we are dedicated to combating human trafficking through comprehensive research, scholarly publications, and impactful presentations. Our multifaceted approach aims to illuminate the complexities of this global epidemic, foster informed dialogue, and drive actionable solutions. By leveraging the expertise of interdisciplinary teams and partnering with local, national, and international organizations, we strive to create a holistic understanding of human trafficking. Our goal is not only to provide academic insights but also to translate our findings into practical strategies that can be implemented by policymakers, law enforcement, and community organizations. We are committed to empowering survivors, educating future leaders, and raising awareness through our innovative and collaborative efforts. Together, we can work towards a future where human trafficking is eradicated, and every individual is free from exploitation.
RESEARCH
At the Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery (HTMS) at the University of Central Florida, we are dedicated to combating human trafficking through comprehensive research, scholarly publications, and impactful presentations. Our multifaceted approach aims to illuminate the complexities of this global epidemic, foster informed dialogue, and drive actionable solutions. By leveraging the expertise of interdisciplinary teams and partnering with local, national, and international organizations, we strive to create a holistic understanding of human trafficking. Our goal is not only to provide academic insights but also to translate our findings into practical strategies that can be implemented by policymakers, law enforcement, and community organizations. We are committed to empowering survivors, educating future leaders, and raising awareness through our innovative and collaborative efforts. Together, we can work towards a future where human trafficking is eradicated, and every individual is free from exploitation.
Mitigating the Scale, Reach, and Impact of Human Trafficking at Major Events: A North American Perspective
Human trafficking is a global problem with challenges for societies and those agencies tasked with the protection of the public. Much human trafficking is in the form of sex or labor trafficking with over 22,000 cases reported in the US alone in 2019. Although prevalent in many industries, the event industry is particularly vulnerable to human trafficking with tourism destinations and the major events they host prone to such activity. This exploratory study, underpinned by collaboration theory, adopts a qualitative approach by interviewing stakeholders in the US to identify the causes, scale, reach, and impact of human trafficking in the context of major events. The study then identifies those initiatives designed and implemented to help mitigate the occurrences of human trafficking activity and minimize the damage to individuals and negative reputation for those major events caught up in this modern-day criminality.
Authors: Wickey, J., Fyall, A, Panse, G., & Ronzoni, G (2023)
Journal: Event Management Journal
A Qualitative Assessment of Hotel Employee Engagement in Anti-Human-Trafficking Initiatives
The hospitality industry is particularly vulnerable to human trafficking crimes. Unfortunately, prior research has not sufficiently tackled this important issue. This study investigates hotel employees’ motivation and engagement in anti-human-trafficking initiatives by conducting in-depth qualitative interviews. A total of 28 hotel professionals, ranging from managers to frontline staff members, who work at both international chains and independent hotel properties, participated in the investigation. Data were analyzed using the MAXQDA Pro 12 package. Results identified five main themes (leadership, organizational system, peer support, technology, and training) consisting of 21 factors that impact hotel employees’ engagement in anti-human-trafficking initiatives. The study findings are valuable to hotel practitioners, policymakers, and society at large in order to help prevent human trafficking crimes.
Authors: Zhang, T., Ronzoni, G., Medeiros, M., & Bufquin, D. (2022)
Journal: International Journal of Hospitality Management
2024 Phase 1 of the HHS Innovation Challenge to Prevent Human Trafficking Among Women and Girls.
- Year: 2024
- Grant: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Amount: Awarded $50,000
- Foundation: US Department of State
- PI: Zhang, T., Co-PI: Wickey Byrd, J.
2024 TIP Office International Programs to Combat Human Trafficking Technical Assistance for Survivor Leadership Programming
- Year: 2024
- Grant: US Department of State
- Amount: Proposed $750,000
- Foundation: US Department of State
- PI: Zhang, T., Co-PI: Wickey Byrd, J.
Empowering Youth Against Trafficking: AI-Driven Monitoring and Educational Outreach for Preventing Teen Exploitation
- Year: 2024
- Grant: State of Florida
- Amount: Proposed $1,200,000
- Foundation: State of Florida
- PI: Wickey Byrd, J., Co-PI: Zhang, T.
Empowering Communities through Expanded “Shielding Women and Girls” Curriculum
- Year: 2024
- Grant: Challenge.Gov
- Amount: Proposed $300,000
- Foundation: OAK Foundation
- PI: Zhang, T., Co-PI: Wickey Byrd, J.
Revolutionizing Human Trafficking Victim Services: Evaluating and Optimizing Service Provision Models through Collaborative AI Machine Learning Analysis
- Year: 2023
- Grant: Research and Evaluation of Trafficking in Persons
- Amount: Proposed $1,771,933
- Foundation: National Institute of Justice
- PI: Zhang, T., Co-PI: Potter, R.H., Hua, N., Guo, Z., Sui, N., Lares, T., Upneja, A., and Mody, M.
Labor Trafficking in the Restaurant Sector: Filling Gaps in Knowledge and Practice
- Year: 2022
- Grant: Research and Evaluation of Trafficking in Persons
- Amount: Proposed $2,443,046
- Foundation: National Institute of Justice
- PI: Zhang, T., Co-PIs: Potter, R.H., Bufquin, D., and Wickey, J.
Developing An AI-based Support System for Youth Victims of Human Trafficking in Hispanic Communities
- Year: 2022
- Grant: Research Grants on Improving the Use of Research Evidence
- Amount: Proposed $800,000
- Foundation: William T. Grant Foundation
- PI: Zhang, T., Co-PIs: Nan, H., Potter, R.H., Guo, Z., Upneja, A., and Sui, N.
Labor Trafficking in the Restaurant Sector: Filling Gaps in Knowledge and Practice
- Year: 2021
- Grant: Research and Evaluation of Trafficking in Persons
- Amount: Proposed $599,993
- Foundation: National Institute of Justice
- PI: Zhang, T., Co-PIs: Potter, R.H. and Bufquin, D.
Leveraging Mobile Technologies to Promote Hotel Employees’ Engagement with Counter Human Trafficking Initiatives
- Year: 2019
- Grant: Rosen College Dean’s Research Clusters Program
- Amount: Awarded $10,000
- Foundation: University of Central Florida, Rosen College of Hospitality Management
- PI: Zhang, T.
PUBLICATIONS
We believe in the power of knowledge dissemination to inspire change. Our team produces a range of scholarly publications, including journal articles, book chapters, and research reports, to share our findings with the global community. These publications contribute to the body of knowledge on human trafficking and modern slavery, offering evidence-based solutions and influencing policy and practice worldwide. Our publications address various aspects of human trafficking, such as the effectiveness of legislative measures, the psychological impact on survivors, and the role of community organizations in prevention and intervention. By providing access to these in-depth studies, we aim to educate, inform, and inspire a wide audience, from academics and policymakers to frontline practitioners and the general public.
Human Trafficking: A Systemwide Public Safety and Community Approach (2nd Edition) (2023)
This enhanced edition of Human Trafficking: A Systemwide Public Safety and Community Approach is a substantially expanded compilation of the first edition. It includes several additional components of the response to human trafficking and highlights the key roles performed by investigators, prosecutors, judges, corrections, social services, community and faith-based organizations, criminal justice, healthcare, the hospitality industry, media, and educational institutions-as described by forty-six leaders, practitioners, and experts who are in these roles, at the forefront of the battle. Accordingly, it “takes a village” made up of defined public affairs leadership and action from many sectors to fight human trafficking and recover victims, and this book stretches across several disciplines which are presented, in-depth, throughout fifteen chapters. This book also offers the reality and the “state of” human trafficking to the reader through the riveting testimony of the “lived experience” and voices of five survivors.
Intended for multiple audiences within academia and practitioners in the field by suggesting models and methods, this book can be used to better understand and approach human trafficking holistically and systematically at the community and regional levels. Unlike any other, it is an edited collection of separate conversations and authentic voices in each chapter that describes the approaches and the overarching narratives and themes of the response to human trafficking, reflecting the point of view and experience of the individual authors and contributors-thereby making a strong contribution to the literature in the field.
Chapter Title: Human Trafficking and the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Wickey, J., Bufquin, D., Medeiros, M.*, & Zhang, T
Save 15% with code HESTUDENT at checkout here
All royalties from this book go into a special fund at the University of Central Florida’s Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery.
Paths to the Prevention and Detection of Human Trafficking (2022)
Statistics show that the hospitality industry is particularly vulnerable to human trafficking. Over 80% of reported human trafficking cases involve hotels or hospitality-related venues, including spas and restaurants, etc. This chapter articulates the measures that the hospitality industry could employ to prevent the abuse of its properties for purposes of human trafficking. The chapter presents an overview of human trafficking prevention followed by an exploration of the leveraging of technology within the hotel and hospitality industry as well as a discussion of current and future prevention efforts surrounding hotel services, smart hotels, and its effective integration aimed at reducing trafficking activity.
Chapter Title: The Role of the Hospitality Industry in Preventing Human Trafficking
Authors: Zhang, T. & Potter, R.H
PRESENTATIONS
Engagement and education are key to our mission. Through presentations at conferences, workshops, and seminars, we share our research findings and best practices with diverse audiences. Our presentations aim to educate and empower stakeholders, from students and academics to practitioners and policymakers, to take informed actions against human trafficking. We participate in and host various events where we present our latest research, discuss emerging trends, and share successful strategies for combating human trafficking. Our presentations cover a range of topics, including the latest technological tools for detecting trafficking, case studies of successful interventions, and training programs for professionals in the hospitality and tourism industries. These events provide valuable opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration.
Please consider supporting the UCF HTMS Center by purchasing a copy of the comprehensive human trafficking textbook “Human Trafficking: A Systemwide Public Safety and Community Approach”. All proceeds go to support the HTMS Center and its anti-trafficking efforts. Save 15% with code HESTUDENT at checkout. You can find the book here.
For more information, you can contact us at HTMSCenter@ucf.edu.