What are the most effective ways to measure research impact on human trafficking prevention?

Defining an impact goal is an effective way to measure research impact on human trafficking prevention because it provides a clear benchmark against which to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and initiatives. By establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals related to human trafficking prevention, researchers can assess the outcomes and real-world impact of their work. For example, impact goals could include reducing the prevalence of human trafficking in a specific region by a certain percentage within a defined timeframe, increasing awareness and understanding of human trafficking among key stakeholders, or improving the implementation of anti-trafficking policies and interventions.

I am probably not the qualified person to answer these questions. Human trafficking is a despicable behavior anywhere. Why do traffickers do it? Is it money, thrill, or simple deviant behavior. We can talk about policies, policing, punishments etc. Why don't we look at the things that starts it in the people that start these enterprises. And the people that fall into these traps/victims (I abhor that term), what makes them so vulnerable, the initial act of trying to escape, age group, desperation, you name it. Based on these things, if we can put some measures upfront, at least a small percentage of human trafficking is preventable. My suggestion for the impact goal is prevention.

Impact goals can only be defined once substantial observational data has been collected. This is then treated the same way as any other risk management process. However, when it comes to research impact, that is the impact of research. Good indicators are the amount of space in traditional newspapers dedicated to the subject, the number of independent voices expressing themselves in articles on the subject and taking into account the impact in terms of census and statistic data to determine the impact in particular industries, even studying high-density living in low-density living accommodation and so forth. Through observational understanding, research impact can be analysed.

Conventional wisdom says money is the basis for all evils. Human trafficking is definitely an evil. As humans, we lament about the slavery and blame it for everything in the world. Yet surprisingly human trafficking which is the worst kind of slavery is ignored, while it is happening all around us. The laws around us are very confusing and prevents us from getting involved. That can help us change our involvement at a personal level to prevent at least a small percentage of these events. People in general are volunteers without the titles. That should be used as a resource (which is endless paying forward) which in turn creates purpose and self-worth.

In this scenario I would not consider the big data. Lets go with small wins, celebrate, let more and more people participate. It will lead to bigger and better wins not just limited to local areas but globally.

Analyzing impact data is crucial for understanding the effectiveness of your initiatives. Utilizing diverse methods and tools allows for a comprehensive examination of the data, revealing insights into the patterns and trends of impact. Whether employing descriptive statistics or thematic analysis, the goal is to interpret the results accurately. By analyzing impact data from various perspectives, such as attribution or contribution, you can gain a holistic understanding of your impact measurement efforts and inform future strategies.

Celebrate and publicize the small wins. Big wins follow. This day and age of social media it is not hard. Lets use the social media for good, sensationalize the wins.