Human trafficking is a systematic process of exploitation of human vulnerability. In a globalized and multicultural world, many victims share the commonality of having vulnerable or stigmatized identities, which have been exploited in trafficking situations. Typically, the systematic exploitation of intersecting identities such as gender, age, socioeconomic status, race, immigration status, language, disability, sexual minority status, type of work performed, history of trauma and/or drug abuse is part of the common narratives of many victims. Traffickers foster existing social biases to capitalize on victim's vulnerabilities. Therefore, the identification of victims and subsequent intervention and treatment should be directly linked to the understanding of identity-based vulnerability. Likewise, recovery interventions should be concerned with these issues. 

The Inclusive Human Trafficking Model (IHTM) is an evidenced based assessment and intervention methodology meant for multidisciplinary use. It offers a collection of interventions from mental health and civil rights perspectives intended to increase the understanding of exploited identity-based vulnerabilities and foster positive and healthy identity development in victims.  

The model underwent a rigorous validation process. The results revealed that the utilization of the model improves victim identification by 40 % when compared to business as usual conditions, as well as increased rater sensitivity in regards to issues of human vulnerability. In this workshop we will introduce the IHTM,  discuss utilization implications for case conceptualization and share intervention strategies that can help victims regain a healthy sense of self as they navigate mental health, advocacy and legal services.