Human trafficking represents a profound violation of human dignity, leaving survivors with deep psychological and physical wounds that extend far beyond their immediate experience of exploitation. Trauma-informed care emerges as a critical framework for understanding and supporting these individuals, offering a path toward healing that recognizes the complex nature of their experiences.
Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a holistic approach that acknowledges the impact of traumatic events on an individual's mind, body, and spirit. Initially developed to support veterans returning from the Vietnam War, TIC has evolved to become a powerful method of providing compassionate care across various contexts.
The essence of TIC lies in its fundamental understanding that trauma is not a singular event but a deeply transformative experience that reshapes an individual's perception of safety and self-worth. For human trafficking survivors, this trauma often stems from prolonged periods of exploitation, psychological manipulation, and systematic dehumanization. Research has shown that victims experience significant psychological problems, with studies supporting this fact, as shown in a study conducted surveying survivors in England where nearly 80 percent of women and 40 percent of men who survived human trafficking dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or severe anxiety.[1]
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in the TIC approach. Survivors typically encounter opportunities for support through medical services. Healthcare professionals' main job is to create an environment of safety, trust, and respect. They can do that by listening without judgment, providing clear communication, and allowing survivors to share their experiences at their own pace. Many survivors may initially be reluctant to discuss their traumatic experiences due to fear, shame, or past psychological manipulation.
TIC sits on six fundamental principles guiding care providers. The first is safety. Providers must ensure survivors' physical and emotional protection. Environments must be created where individuals feel secure and can begin to rebuild their sense of personal agency. Trust and transparency are equally important. Care providers must remain honest, set clear expectations, and follow through on their commitments to earn survivors' trust.
Another essential aspect is empowerment. Care providers offer survivors the space to share their experiences and feelings only when they feel ready. The approach helps rebuild the sense of control stripped away during their trafficking experience. Care providers must also practice respect for diversity and avoid making general assumptions. They should acknowledge that each survivor's experience is unique and shaped by their cultural background, personal history, and individual circumstances.
TIC for children should consider their developmental stage and cognitive abilities. Providers must use age-appropriate language, tools, and interventions to help child survivors understand their experiences and participate in their healing process. Play therapy, art therapy, and other creative outlets can be particularly effective in allowing children to express emotions and process trauma in a non-threatening manner.
Healing from trauma is a long-term process, especially for children, as developmental milestones may trigger new challenges. TIC for children must include ongoing monitoring, follow-up care, and access to long-term resources to ensure their continued growth and resilience into adulthood.
The impacts of trauma extend beyond psychological distress. Survivors may experience a variety of physical symptoms, including sleep disturbances, digestive problems, neurological issues, and heightened stress responses due to prolonged elevated stress hormones.
Preventing re-traumatization is a critical component of TIC. Simple interactions can trigger intense emotional responses. Medical professionals, legal representatives, and support workers must receive training to approach survivors with extreme sensitivity. Even well-intentioned interactions can potentially trigger survivors if not handled with proper care and understanding.
The ultimate goal of TIC is not to erase the experience of trauma but to help survivors integrate their experiences into a meaningful narrative of survival and resilience. It offers the potential for survivors to reconstruct their sense of self, rebuild trust, and ultimately reclaim their lives. This approach recognizes that healing is not about returning to a previous state but creating a new understanding of self and possibility.
Most importantly, TIC represents a major shift in how we understand and support survivors of human trafficking. It moves beyond a clinical approach to a humanistic one, where care providers recognize the inherent strength and potential of each individual who has survived unimaginable circumstances.
[1] Oram, S., Abas, M., Bick, D., Boyle, A., French, R., Jakobowitz, S., Khondoker, M., Stanley, N., Trevillion, K., Howard, L., & Zimmerman, C. (2016, June). Human trafficking and health: A survey of male and female survivors in England. American journal of public health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4880235/