In 2019, the United States had 11,500 reported human trafficking cases. Human trafficking is a complex phenomenon that is led by the demand for cheap labor and the supply of people willing to leave home in search of better economic opportunities. Experiences are diverse, influenced by dominant cultural practices, family structures, community support systems, and other factors all may impact the shape and prevalence of trafficking and efforts to prevent its occurrence.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement, and industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking and how to appropriately respond to possible cases.
The DHS Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate’s Mission and Capability Support Office (MCS) assists in the development of science-based policy, programs, and technologies in support of DHS’ strategic initiatives. Among the strategic initiatives MCS’s Public Safety and Violence Prevention Division (PSVP) supports Countering Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation, Countering Violent Extremism and Countering Foreign Influence.
This project seeks to conduct an impact evaluation of the Blue Campaign’s program and its human trafficking advertising. The objectives of this effort include identifying high-quality data to:
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Blue Campaign from a public health perspective to determine the impact of its training products and campaign activities.
Aspects of prevention, mitigation, and response to these activities while providing an independent and objective assessment to ensure that state and local authorities can continually improve and integrate new evidence and basic research in pursuit of the general welfare of our citizens.
PROVIDING BEST PRACTICES
The goal is to use the findings from this research activity to:
Provide a comprehensive set of best practices for threat prevention to state, local, and private organizations.
Inform federal, state, and local stakeholders of scientific evidence that supports or refutes programs addressing terrorism, targeted violence, and human trafficking.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health will evaluate the impact of the Blue Campaign and make recommendations for outreach and public education programs based on the data collected.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health will provide scientific evidence to inform research, design, and assist state, local and tribal stakeholders, as well as victim service providers, in developing partnerships, policies, and procedures to address prevention efforts in human trafficking.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health will evaluate the impact of the Blue Campaign by providing a literature review, developing theories of change, examining and validating Blue Campaign signs and indicators, evaluating the impact of Blue Campaign initiatives on agencies and local government capacities, and evaluating the impact of the Blue Campaign on general public awareness.
S&T will oversee these research efforts, including specific plans for data collection, analyses, reporting, and dissemination of results with primary intended users. All original data and research developed from this work will be made available for public use.
The work will take place over Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022, with possible extension based on DHS’ determination.
PERFORMERS, PARTNERS, STAKEHOLDERS
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Department of Homeland Security Components, specifically Office of Public Engagement
Federal, State, local, and tribal governments, law enforcement, and first responder organizations