The Human Trafficking Education Index is not just a data collection tool. It is designed as a multidisciplinary resource to support the professionals, systems, and community members who play a role in prevention, identification, and response.

 

The Index helps strengthen work across sectors by providing insights that support:

 

• Earlier identification of exploitation and grooming behaviors

• Stronger case management and referral practices

• More informed, trauma-aware intervention strategies

• Improved coordination between education, healthcare, social services, advocacy, and justice systems

• Community-informed prevention efforts grounded in real experiences, not assumptions

 

By capturing how people understand trafficking — and where gaps in awareness or resources exist — the Index helps stakeholders tailor responses that are more effective, ethical, and responsive to lived realities.

 

This tool is especially valuable for:

• Case managers and service providers

• Educators and youth-serving organizations

• Healthcare and behavioral health professionals

• Advocates and prevention specialists

• Policy and systems leaders seeking data-informed solutions

 

Rather than relying on siloed approaches, the Human Trafficking Education Index creates a shared foundation of understanding that supports earlier intervention, stronger coordination, and more consistent care across systems.

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The Human Trafficking Education Index was created to answer one simple question:

 

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This index supports our Through Their Eyes: Exploitation in the Digital Age initiative by capturing community insight before and after education-based events, including art gallery exhibits and webinars. The goal is to help Idaho respond to exploitation with clearer awareness, stronger resources, and a more informed community.

 

What the Index Measures

The Education Index helps us understand:

• Awareness of trafficking tactics — especially in digital spaces

• Knowledge of warning signs and grooming behaviors

• Confidence in where to report or how to seek help

• Perceptions of safety, prevention, and community readiness

• Gaps in resources, understanding, and trust

 

This is not about “testing” people. It’s about identifying where education is strong, where support is missing, and where communities need tools that actually work.

 

How We Gather Information

The Education Index includes a short, trauma-informed survey that can be completed:

• Before an exhibit or webinar (pre-event)

• After participating in education or engagement opportunities (post-event)

 

We use this information to improve how we design future exhibits, educational materials, and community resource tools — and to better understand what different regions in Idaho need.

 

Our Commitment to Ethical Use

We take community trust seriously.

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• Participation is always voluntary

• The survey is designed to avoid graphic or retraumatizing detail

• We do not ask for identifying information unless someone chooses to provide it

• Results are used to improve education, resources, and prevention strategies — not to sensationalize harm

• Participation opportunities are age-appropriate and include clear guidance for parents and caregivers when youth are involved

 

Community Participation & Engagement

Participation in the Human Trafficking Education Index is always optional. To thank community members for engaging in education and reflection, we offer a few opportunities tied to our exhibits.

 

Pre-Event Survey Participants

Community members who complete the pre-event survey are invited to a complimentary guided tour of the exhibit with a small group. These tours provide context, space for questions, and facilitated conversation around the exhibit themes.

 

Post-Exhibit Engagement

Community members who participate in post-gallery engagement opportunities may be eligible to receive exclusive merchandise created specifically for the 2026 exhibit. These items are limited and designed to reflect the themes and artwork of this year’s project.

 

Participation in surveys or tours is never required to attend the exhibit. Incentives are offered as appreciation and to reduce barriers to engagement — not as compensation for responses.

 

Why This Matters

Human trafficking prevention isn’t just a law enforcement issue. It’s a community readiness issue.

 

Education changes outcomes.

But only if it’s paired with real tools, accessible language, and culturally grounded support systems.

 

The Human Trafficking Education Index helps us measure where our communities are starting — and how much impact education-based engagement is actually creating.

 

How You Can Participate

There are a few ways to engage:

• Complete the Education Index survey

• Attend an exhibit or webinar

• Participate in a guided tour

• Share the survey link with your community

• Partner with us to host an exhibit in your city

 

Want to Co-Host an Exhibit?

Through Their Eyes is typically designed as a multi-day community event. We prioritize rural communities and collaborate with local partners to make exhibits accessible and locally grounded.

 

If you’re interested in hosting, donating space, supporting logistics, sponsoring materials, or collaborating on programming, we’d love to hear from you. Please click here to be redirected to our Art Gallery Cohosting Form.