Sex Trafficking in Missouri: Risks, Dynamics, and Resources

November 11, 2026 12:00-1:00 pm Browning Hall Auditorium, ISB 160 Andrea Nichols, Ph.D. Sociology Professor Honors College District Director St. Louis Community College Forest Park What conditions create vulnerability to sex trafficking? How can we better understand the long-term impacts on survivors? Focusing on Missouri, Dr. Andrea Nichols covers “the basics” of sex trafficking in our own state, addressing common misconceptions, examining the various forms sex trafficking can take, and using data-driven research to explore the risk factors that facilitate exploitation. Her talk will highlight resource needs and local organizations that provide prevention services and direct support for survivors of sex trafficking. The lecture will be followed by a panel discussion about the traumatic effects of trafficking and its intersection with the criminal justice system. The panel will feature Dr. Nichols and Dr. Allison Gorga, Associate Professor of Criminology, and will be moderated by Dr. Hasmik Chakaryan, Associate Professor of Counseling. Part of the Big Questions event series in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences