Presenter Bio
Dr. Jennifer O’Brien is an associate professor and practitioner in the field of social work, with a specialized focus on the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). She holds a Ph.D. in Social Work and has extensive experience working with vulnerable populations, particularly children and adolescents who have been affected by exploitation and trafficking. Her research primarily investigates the systemic and individual factors contributing to CSEC, including the impacts on mental health, the efficacy of intervention strategies, and the development of support systems for survivors. Dr. O’Brien’s work is crucial in shaping policies and practices aimed at preventing exploitation and providing comprehensive care for victims. Dr. O’Brien is also known for her commitment to community outreach and advocacy, working closely with organizations and policymakers to improve child protection services and promote social justice. Her contributions extend to teaching and mentoring the next generation of social workers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex issues related to child exploitation. She has published numerous articles and papers in peer-reviewed journals and is frequently invited to speak at conferences and workshops on topics related to child welfare, exploitation, and human trafficking. In addition to her research and teaching roles, Dr. O’Brien is an active member of several professional organizations dedicated to social work and child advocacy. Her dedication to these causes reflects her deep commitment to creating safer and more supportive environments for children and families affected by exploitation.
While serving in the U.S. Peace Corps, Kathleen realized her passion for human rights and working with marginalized communities. When she returned stateside, she earned her master's in social work pursuing a career centered in social justice. She was introduced to human trafficking, a form of human rights and gender-based violence, while resettling refugees in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. After a few years of working with survivors, a local police department hired Kathleen to assist in a special investigation unit devoted to identifying trafficking survivors and holding the traffickers accountable. This experience helped Kathleen see a gap in knowledge concerning evidenced-based practices and human trafficking response. She returned to school to pursue her doctorate in Social Work so that she could help fill this gap. Kathleen is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at her alma mater, the University of Texas at Arlington, researching human trafficking and its impact on survivors and service providers and teaching courses related to interpersonal violence and resiliency. She is also one of the community engaged scholars hired under the RISE 100 program tasked with facilitating relationships and exchanges between the university and the community. Community based and survivor centered research is important to Kathleen because it directly impacts the quality-of-care survivors of trafficking receive while exiting exploitation. In centering community and survivor expertise, we can ensure the services developed for survivors have the intended outcome and empowers survivors to live their intended lives. Though Kathleen is interested in all forms of trafficking found in the United States and how survivors perceive the experience, most recently she has been focusing her efforts on understanding phenomenon, including: demographics, gaps in services and training, and bolstering coordinated, evidenced-based responses. Because Kathleen’s research is community driven and survivor led, it is especially helpful in understanding the needs, contexts, and implications various anti-trafficking responses might have in addressing human trafficking locally.
Start Date
10-6-2025 9:30 AM
End Date
10-6-2025 10:00 AM
Field of Study
Law Enforcement
Abstract
Human trafficking is a multifaceted, dynamic issue requiring an inter-disciplinary approach to addressing this egregious crime. This presentation highlights a recent NIJ- funded study examining law enforcement’s response to child sex trafficking. The study included a large quantitative survey of 3,500 law enforcement agencies, over 100 structured investigator interviews, and 80 in-depth interviews exploring forms of law enforcement and community collaboration in 11 purposefully chosen communities. Results of this national study will be shared along with its implications for Texas broadly, and North Texas in particular. Opportunities for ongoing research and evaluation of anti- trafficking responses, including prevention, will be offered. Holistically, this presentation will outline ways communities and researchers can collaboratively engage in the overarching quest to enhance our understanding of human trafficking, improve anti- trafficking responses, and facilitate evidenced-based polices.
Law Enforcement's Response to Child Sex Trafficking: Fostering Collaborative Response and Implications for North Texas
Human trafficking is a multifaceted, dynamic issue requiring an inter-disciplinary approach to addressing this egregious crime. This presentation highlights a recent NIJ- funded study examining law enforcement’s response to child sex trafficking. The study included a large quantitative survey of 3,500 law enforcement agencies, over 100 structured investigator interviews, and 80 in-depth interviews exploring forms of law enforcement and community collaboration in 11 purposefully chosen communities. Results of this national study will be shared along with its implications for Texas broadly, and North Texas in particular. Opportunities for ongoing research and evaluation of anti- trafficking responses, including prevention, will be offered. Holistically, this presentation will outline ways communities and researchers can collaboratively engage in the overarching quest to enhance our understanding of human trafficking, improve anti- trafficking responses, and facilitate evidenced-based polices.
