Legal

Studies
Academy

Gaia Giudice
Senior Project Proposal
2019-2020
 A. Summary

My specific topic for my research paper is the comparison of human trafficking in the United

States versus in Europe and around the world. I chose this as my topic because I feel like it needs

more awareness and people aren't conscious of how frequently it happens. Also I want to learn

more about the laws and regulations globally, in comparison to the United States, as well as

different cases of victims, and methods predators use. My driving questions are:

- Is human trafficking modern day slavery?

- What factors make victims vulnerable to human trafficking?

- What is the most common recruitment method?

- Where globally is human trafficking more prevalent?

- What is life like for victims after escaping?

- What are some red flags to recognize human trafficking?

- How are the laws and regulations different from the ones in the United States?

For my project I plan to have a speaker from the Virginia Beach Justice Initiative come and talk

about how unexpectedly prevalent human trafficking is in the Hampton Roads area, and how to

protect oneself while traveling or when alone to avoid any chances of being trafficked. After

their speech I ideally want to instruct a self defense class, as so to teach people how to protect

themselves if ever in any dangerous situation. Before my project, I will go to a trained

professional to learn the skills in order to teach the self defense class. Donations will also be

encouraged, and all contributions will go to the VBJI organization. My project will take place

during the second semester in the gym at First Colonial High School. The advisor to help assist

with my project is Mr. Butler.

a. New Skills

i. Self defense

b. Enhanced Skills

i. Detailed research

ii. Presenting and speaking in front of a large group

c. Area of Growth

i. Following through with deadlines

ii. Public speaking with professionals

C. Marketing Plan/ Facilities/ Audience

I will use the First Colonial gym or mat room. My target audience is teenagers who need to be

informed and stay aware of this situation. Also I think this is a way to connect a lecture on how

to stay safe with a fun and engaging activity that everyone will enjoy. I will reach out to the

Virginia Beach Justice Initiative, and request a speaker to come talk to the group. I think this

organization (VBJI) is ideal for my project because it is focused on the prevalence of human

trafficking in our area specifically. All proceedings will go towards their operation.

D. Project Steps

Preliminary Steps Secure venue (FC gym), 5 hours

classes

Midway Steps Confirm VBJI, organize and 6 hours

plan class

Later Steps Practice run through of class, 7 hours

prepare speaker, set up room,

and bring in snacks

Follow up Clean up and write thank you 2 hours

notes

Total 20 hours

E. Project Documentation

- Emails

- Phone logs

- Notes and drafts

- Video documentation of speaker (if approved)

- Picture or video of event

F. Project Justification
My senior project would be a quality project because it would raise awareness to the audience

which this topic is most prevalent with. The ages of the people attending my self defense class

would range through high schoolers, since they are the ones who need to be more aware of this

spreading epidemic. Also I think a self defense class will form a sense of awareness of our

surroundings. This project will be beneficial because all donations will be given to the Virginia

Beach Justice Initiative, and the speaker who is very informed and experienced on this topic will

give a presentation on Human Trafficking in Virginia Beach and in the Hampton Roads Area.

G. Project Paper Connection

My paper will focus on answering my driving questions. This will include the difference in laws

and regulations between the United States and Europe, mental health conditions of victims,

recruitment methods predators use, and what makes a victim vulnerable to being chosen. My

paper will consist of different stories of victims, past cases, relevant laws, and will touch on

locations that have the highest rates of human trafficking, as well as the major differences

between the world and the United States. My guest speaker will serve as an example of the

difference, and as one of the effects, the organizations involved.

H. Academic Honesty

I understand that any academic dishonesty by me on any part of the project/ paper will result in

failure of the Senior Project and forfeiture of the Legal Studies seal on my High School diploma.