Unmasking Traffickers: Exposing Their Tactics, Disrupting Their Strategies, Empowering Our Solutions

Human traffickers use calculated manipulation, psychological control, and coercion to exploit their victims. To effectively combat trafficking, we must first understand the traffickers’ mindset, methods, and strategies. This workshop, “Unmasking Traffickers: Exposing Their Tactics, Disrupting Their Strategies, Empowering Our Solutions,” takes a deep dive into the deceptive tactics used to groom, recruit, and control victims. Participants will learn how traffickers identify vulnerabilities, exploit trust, and maintain power over their victims.

Through interactive discussions, real-world case studies, and expert analysis, attendees will gain the critical knowledge needed to recognize warning signs, intervene effectively, and implement survivor-centered solutions. This course is designed for child welfare professionals, law enforcement, educators, social workers, and community advocates and anyone who is dedicated to dismantling human trafficking networks and protecting vulnerable individuals.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
✅ Identify key trafficker tactics and psychological control methods
✅ Analyze case scenarios to understand recruitment and grooming strategies
✅ Apply effective intervention techniques to disrupt trafficking operations
✅ Strengthen prevention efforts through education and advocacy

Speakers:

Marina Anderson
Statewide Human Trafficking Training Specialist
Florida Department of Children and Families

Marina has had an extensive and impactful career in the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Florida. She began her journey in 2002 and spent fourteen years as a Child Protective Investigator (CPI) and Field Support Supervisor in Duval County, specializing in child sexual abuse and human trafficking. In 2015, she transitioned to the Office of Community Services, where she focused on combating human trafficking at the state level.

Marina’s expertise and her dedication to protecting vulnerable children earned her recognition as a STAR Child Protective Investigator by Governor Rick Scott. She is a certified investigator and trainer in human trafficking, as well as a subject matter expert in critical injury, domestic violence, physical/sexual abuse, and human trafficking.

Her work not only showcases her commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children but also highlights her leadership and expertise in addressing complex issues such as human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Marina has had an extensive and impactful career in the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Florida. Her expertise and dedication to protecting vulnerable children earned her recognition as a STAR Child Protective Investigator by Governor Rick Scott. She is a certified investigator and trainer in human trafficking, as well as a subject matter expert in critical injury, domestic violence, physical/sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Her work not only showcases her commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children but also highlights her leadership and expertise in addressing complex issues such as human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Detective Ryan Ellis

Detective R. Ellis ID#6773
Homeland Security Investigations INTERCEPT Taskforce
Human Exploitation / VICE /North FL ICAC

Detective Ryan Ellis is a Senior Investigator with Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Florida and a Task Force Officer with Homeland Security Investigations. Ryan has been an investigator for 18 years and spent the last 14 years conducting human exploitation investigations including hands-on offenses and an array of technology-based crimes and human trafficking. While fighting the battle against human exploitation, Ryan has testified before legislative committees and co-authored substantial legislative changes to combat child exploitation. Ryan is a two-time recipient of the Department of Justices’ Investigator of the year for victim crimes and Investigator of the year from his agency for case work involving the rescue/identification of victims.

Ryan has presented case studies at the National and state ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) levels and trained hundreds of law enforcement officers in the fight against human exploitation. During his time, he has been the lead investigator on hundreds of major investigations.

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STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.

Suggested donation: $20