Boston HEAT

Painting of a woman smoking

Dr. Judge founded and co-leads Boston Human Exploitation and Sex Trafficking (HEAT), in collaboration with Peer Advocate Sandra Andrade of MGH and partners from the Boston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit (HTU). Boston HEAT is a nationally recognized model dedicated to supporting women at the intersection of opioid use disorder and the commercial sex trade. Our specialized approach, Street Psychology, brings clinical and peer expertise to women where they already are: on the street; in the Suffolk County House of Correction; in MGH and partner hospitals. We also connect through referrals from law enforcement and through our privately located nighttime drop-in space in Boston’s “Mass. and Cass” neighborhood.

Boston HEAT is innovative because we build long-term relationships that support women’s unique goals during active addiction and exploitation, determined through their own agency. Our approach fosters change in women’s time and on their terms.

Recent Media Appearances

Photo of Abigail Judge and Sandra Andrade

Abigail Judge and Sandra Andrade co-lead Boston HEAT.