Wednesday, June 11th, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. ET
Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking: The Role of Domestic Violence Advocates
Free for members / $25 for non-members
Webinar Overview & Objectives
· Understand the definition and scope of human trafficking
· Identify key indicators and common methods of trafficking
· Explore the intersection between human trafficking and domestic violence
· Integrate human trafficking advocacy into existing support services.
Join us for this 90-minute webinar designed specifically for domestic violence advocates. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of both labor and sex trafficking, including methods of recruitment and exploitation. We’ll explore the overlapping needs and experiences of survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking and address common myths and challenges. By the end of the session, advocates will be better equipped to provide informed, compassionate, and comprehensive support to trafficking survivors.
Presenter Bio
Michelle Cooper is a dedicated advocate and leader in the field of survivor support services, with over a decade of experience working with individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies and Psychology from Penn State University in 2014.
Michelle began her career at YWCA York as a Medical Advocate, providing essential education to providers and on-site support to survivors navigating the medical system. In 2015, she became YWCA York’s first Human Trafficking Advocate and Special Case Manager. In this role, she led York County’s Human Trafficking Task Force and collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to identify and support survivors of trafficking.
In 2018, Michelle joined the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) as a Health Education Specialist, managing statewide grants and offering technical support to advocates working under PCADV’s Medical Advocacy Project. She was promoted in 2020 to Technical Assistance and Education Team Manager, where she now supervises a team of specialists and leads the development and implementation of core training curricula for domestic violence advocates across Pennsylvania.
In 2024, Michelle was appointed Chair of the Victim Services Subcommittee of Pennsylvania’s Statewide Human Trafficking Advisory Board. In this leadership role, she is guiding statewide efforts to improve services and resources for survivors of trafficking.
Michelle is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Millersville University, with a specialization in Trauma and Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy, further deepening her commitment to holistic and trauma-informed care.
Questions? Contact Anna Gerstein.