RESTORATIVE JUSTICE FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING SURVIVORS

The Sunita Jain Anti-Trafficking Initiative (SJI), in collaboration with Lived Experienced Subject-Matter Experts Rebeka Layton and Mercy Gray, hosted a 2-day interactive event for survivor leaders in the greater Los Angeles area and surrounding cities to learn about Restorative Justice and explore the use of this approach in cases involving human trafficking. 

Survivors of human trafficking often report experiencing further harm throughout the criminal legal system. In response, the conference sought to engage survivor in robust conversations through circle activities and workshops to learn about Restorative Justice and inspire survivor leaders within the anti-trafficking movement to take actions within their own communities and increase support for an approach that repairs the harm and shifts away from the traditional legal system. In addition, we wanted to center the voice of survivors in a proposal to fund a pilot program in Los Angeles County that utilizes a restorative justice approach in human trafficking cases. 

July 26 and July 27, 2024 

8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. (PST)  

Loyola Law School 

919 Albany St, Los Angeles, CA 90015

PROGRAM AGENDA

Words from Lived-Experience Experts at the Conference About a Restorative Justice Approach 

"I think survivors should have this alternative because we deserve agency over our own healing and justice. Restorative and transformative justice are the most survivor-centered approaches. Restorative Justice offers a path to both individual and community transformation, acknowledging our capacity, including those who have harmed, to grow, change, heal, and be accountable. It puts the power back into survivors' hands, and after experiencing the violent, dehumanizing indignity of human trafficking, it’s the least we deserve."

"Affirming that we can coexist with differences and work together for a better humanity, I have been alone for so long. I feel trusting of people in this space. The fact that this conversation is happening is a healing experience. I’m confident we can build a better world. It may not happen in our lifetime, but I know we can for our grandkids and those who come after us."