Why Support Systems For Trafficking Survivors Are Flawed and How We Can Improve Them

Trigger Warning: The following article contains descriptions and statistics related to human trafficking, including sexual exploitation, forced labor, and abuse. Some content may be distressing to readers. Please proceed with caution.

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This is the second blog in the 3-part series of The Myosotis Project’s collaboration with YouthxYouth. This blog series uses the YouthxYouth pedagogy of What Is, What If, and What Now, combined with The Myosotis Project’s mission of raising awareness and combating human trafficking. In this second blog, The Myosotis Project looks at the long-term effects of human trafficking on survivors, such as trauma, housing instability, and stigmatization. 

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Introduction

Substance abuse, PTSD, trauma, social ostracism, eating disorders, and HIV, are only some of the many risks that survivors of human trafficking face. These effects can be long-term, impacting relationships and reintegration into society, although there is still a lack of good accessible resources for survivors. In many cases, survivors may run into numerous obstacles in seeking healthcare or rehabilitation, some of the most prevalent being financial and geographical limitations or even fear of self-reporting or self-identifying as a victim of human trafficking due to stigmatization. In an ideal world, support systems and rehabilitation would be accessible, inclusive, and empowering, focusing on long-term recovery, reintegration into society, and eliminating the “one size fits all” narrative. 

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Physical and Psychological Effects of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking has a variety of effects on victims and their families, including both physical and mental health risks. Although the exact effects of trafficking vary based on several factors, common health risks are infectious diseases, cardiovascular and respiratory problems, substance abuse problems, and psychological trauma. Typically, the type of trafficking that takes place affects which health risks are present. An individual who was trafficked for forced labor may be more likely to experience cardiovascular and respiratory problems due to bad working conditions. On the other hand, someone who was trafficked for sexual exploitation may have been more susceptible to infectious diseases. Regardless of these patterns, the effects of trafficking still vary significantly based on each person, and anyone can experience the psychological effects of trafficking regardless of the type of trafficking that occurred. 

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Being trafficked may or may not result in or contribute to the development of mental disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, and PTSD, all of which seem to be prevalent across various studies involving survivors of human trafficking. In a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, 150 survivors of trafficking–specifically domestic servitude (29.3%), sexual exploitation (29%), and labor exploitation (40.4%)–were interviewed over 18 months. Participants who were categorized as having high levels of psychological symptoms were those who screened positive for probable depressive disorder, anxiety, disorder, and PTSD. Overall, 78% of women and 40% of men reported high levels of depression, anxiety, or PTSD symptoms (Oram et al.). Another study published in the BMC Psychiatry journal highlights the correlation between trafficking and mental disorders, with 54% of women meeting the DSM-IV criteria for PTSD, 12.5% having depression without PTSD, and another 5.8% having another anxiety disorder (Abas et al.). This study also reinforces the idea that external factors significantly contribute to mental disorders after trafficking, including childhood sexual abuse and an increased number of unmet needs post-trafficking. These findings show the severe psychological impact trafficking has on survivors, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support that addresses both the trauma of the trafficking itself and the external factors that exacerbate mental health issues post-trafficking. 

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Challenges With Reintegration Into Society

Survivors of human trafficking face many challenges when reintegrating into society, and these obstacles typically extend far beyond the initial trauma of their experiences. One of the most pressing issues is housing instability. Many survivors struggle to find safe, stable, and affordable housing, which is essential for rebuilding their lives. Financial constraints often worsen this issue, as survivors, frequently leave trafficking situations without financial resources or savings. In addition to financial hardship, discrimination from landlords can further complicate the housing search, as societal stigmas surrounding human trafficking can lead to unjust judgment or reluctance to rent to survivors. Without secure housing, it becomes significantly harder for survivors to establish a foundation upon which they can begin the healing process. 

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Employment is another substantial barrier that survivors face upon reintegration. Gaps in work history, lack of relevant skills or job training, and the psychological impacts of trafficking can make securing stable employment incredibly difficult. Survivors are often left to explain these employment gaps during job interviews, which may open the situation to further stigmatization. The stigma attached to their past, coupled with employers’ hesitation to hire individuals with inconsistent work histories, creates a cycle of unemployment and financial instability that exacerbates the other challenges survivors face. Without the ability to support themselves, survivors may remain reliant on temporary shelter or unstable housing, further hindering the process of reintegration into society. 

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Legal challenges present yet another barrier for survivors of human trafficking. Many survivors carry criminal records from activities they were forced into while being trafficked, such as prostitution or theft. These criminal records, even though they are the result of forced activity, can prevent survivors from obtaining housing, employment, or government assistance. Expunging these records can be a long, difficult process that requires legal assistance that is often inaccessible to survivors due to financial constraints or lack of knowledge about available resources. As a result, these unresolved legal issues can trap survivors in a cycle of marginalization, as they struggle to clear their names and access the services they need to move forward. 

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The social stigma attached to being a trafficked survivor can also lead to intense feelings of isolation. Many survivors experience difficulty forming new social connections, whether out of fear of judgment or because they feel disconnected from others due to traumatic experiences. The stigma can extend beyond employment and housing discrimination and affect survivors on a personal level, impacting relationships with friends, potential partners, and communities. Expectations that come with stereotypical gender roles may also exacerbate the hesitancy to self-identify as a victim of human trafficking, specifically the expectation that men should be tough and not portrayed as victims, with research showing that men are far less likely than girls or women to self-identify as a victim of human trafficking. The stigma that surrounds trafficking makes the reintegration of survivors into society far more challenging, and eliminating this stigma may lead to a more supportive environment for survivors.

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Family reunification, which many survivors hope for after escaping their trafficking situation, can also be a complex and emotionally distressing process. Survivors may face strained relationships with family members, especially if the trafficking occurred over a long period of time. Some survivors may fear judgment from their families, unsure of how their loved ones will react to their experiences or the psychological trauma they may carry. Reuniting with family can be both a source of comfort and a source of tension, as survivors navigate the emotional landscape of reconnection. 

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Current Support Systems in Place

Over the past several decades, various organizations, governmental programs, and international efforts have been developed to provide support for survivors of human trafficking. These support systems primarily focus on immediate safety, healthcare, legal assistance, and long-term rehabilitation. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as Polaris, the International Rescue Committee, and Freedom Network USA, provide emergency housing, legal advocacy, mental health services, and job training. At the governmental level, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act in the U.S. was one of the cornerstones of anti-trafficking legislation, offering survivors protections such as temporary visas, immigration relief, and access to victims services like health care and housing through the Office for Victims of Crime. Internationally, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) works to assist survivors, and the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons advocates for coordinated global efforts to ensure survivors receive essential resources. 

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Healthcare for survivors is an area where significant progress has been made, specifically in providing physical and psychological treatments. Polaris runs initiatives like the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which connects survivors to immediate medical care, shelter, and other essential services. Mental health support programs also exist, aimed at helping survivors recover from the trauma they have experienced. These include counseling services, trauma-informed therapy, and substance abuse treatment, provided by a mix of NGOs, government agencies, and community organizations. 

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Legal support is another vital aspect of existing support systems. Through partnerships between NGOs and legal organizations, survivors can access pro bono legal services that help to expunge criminal records, apply for legal status, and seek reparations. In countries with strong anti-trafficking laws, survivors may be eligible for compensation funds, which provide financial support to aid recovery and reintegration. Organizations such as the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) and Sanctuary for Families focus heavily on helping survivors navigate legal systems. 

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Community reintegration programs also play an important role. Several NGOs focus on empowering survivors by offering vocational training and education programs. These programs aim to provide survivors with the skills they need to re-enter the workforce, supporting their long-term recovery. Additionally, housing programs, often run by local community groups or through government funding, provide survivors with stable, temporary, housing until they can secure employment and afford permanent accommodation. 

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While these support systems exist, they are often fragmented, and access varies greatly depending on geographical location, legal status, and funding availability. Nevertheless, these efforts are essential components of the global response to human trafficking, providing critical short-term and some long-term support for survivors. 

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Why These Systems Are Flawed and How They Can Be Improved

Despite the wide array of support systems in place, many aspects of these frameworks are deeply flawed, leading to gaps in the care and reintegration processes for survivors of human trafficking. One of the primary challenges lies in the accessibility and inclusivity of these resources. Many survivors, particularly those who are undocumented, are hesitant to reach out for help due to the lack of confidentiality and the threat of deportation or legal repercussions. Geographical and financial barriers also further restrict access to critical services. For survivors in rural or underserved areas, there are often fewer organizations offering specialized support. In many parts of the world, services like legal aid, mental health counseling, and vocational training are concentrated in urban areas, leaving survivors in rural areas with little to no access to these resources. Even in developed countries such as the United States, funding constraints often result in long waiting lists for shelters, mental health services, and legal support. Survivors may also face delays in receiving housing, therapy, or legal services due to the overwhelming demand and limited funding for anti-trafficking programs. This is particularly problematic when survivors are in immediate need of a stable environment to begin their recovery process. 

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The mental health and medical services available to survivors also suffer from a lack of trauma-informed care. Healthcare providers may lack the necessary training to handle the complex physical and psychological needs of trafficking survivors, which can cause a reluctance to seek further help. As a result, survivors may receive inadequate or inappropriate treatment, further complicating their recovery. Expanding trauma-informed care training for all professionals working with survivors is crucial in improving these outcomes. 

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Legal support, while available, is often inaccessible or incomplete. The process of expunging criminal records or seeking legal status can be expensive, lengthy, and confusing, particularly for survivors who have limited education or are unfamiliar with the legal system. Moreover, many survivors are unaware of the legal resources available to them or struggle to find pro bono representation. This legal limbo can leave survivors trapped in a cycle of marginalization, unable to secure employment or stable housing due to a criminal record that stems from the trafficking that occurred. Streamlining the legal process, providing better education about available legal options, and ensuring consistent access to pro bono services are all necessary reforms. 

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Lastly, the focus of many existing systems is on short-term, crisis-oriented interventions rather than long-term rehabilitation. While immediate safety and medical care are essential, they are not enough to support survivors in rebuilding their lives. Programs often fail to address the long-term needs of survivors, such as continuous mental health care, vocational training, and secure housing. A more survivor-centered approach is needed, one that views rehabilitation as an ongoing process rather than a series of short-term fixes. Providing survivors with the resources and support they need for long-term independence, including educational opportunities and permanent housing, is crucial for successful reintegration into society. 

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Conclusion

While significant strides have been made in addressing the needs of survivors of human trafficking, the current systems remain fragmented, underfunded, and often inaccessible. The physical, psychological, and social challenges faced by survivors necessitate a more comprehensive approach that goes beyond immediate safety and crisis management. To truly support survivors in recovery and reintegration into society, there must be a focus on long-term rehabilitation, including trauma-informed care, stable housing, accessible legal assistance, and vocational training. Addressing the flaws in these systems–particularly in terms of inclusivity, accessibility, and continuity of care–requires collaboration between governments, NGOs, and communities to ensure that survivors receive the comprehensive support necessary. By reshaping these frameworks, we can create a more just and supportive environment for those who have endured human trafficking. 

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Works Cited

Abas, Melanie, et al. “Risk factors for mental disorders in women survivors of human trafficking: a historical cohort study - BMC Psychiatry.” BMC Psychiatry, 3 August 2013, https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-244X-13-204. Accessed 27 September 2024.

Hossain, Mazeda, et al. “The Relationship of Trauma to Mental Disorders Among Trafficked and Sexually Exploited Girls and Women.” NCBI, December 2010, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2978168/. Accessed 27 September 2024.

“Housing Needs of Survivors of Human Trafficking Study.” U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 23 February 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/Housing-Needs-of-Survivors-of-Human-Trafficking-Study.pdf.

“Human Trafficking Legislation.” American Bar Association, https://www.americanbar.org/groups/human_rights/human-trafficking/trafficking-legislation/.

Iglesias-Rios, Lisbeth, et al. “Mental health, violence and psychological coercion among female and male trafficking survivors in the greater Mekong sub-region: a cross-sectional study.” NCBI, 12 December 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6292017/. Accessed 27 September 2024.

Oram, Siân, et al. “Human Trafficking and Health: A Survey of Male and Female Survivors in England.” American Journal of Public Health, 18 January 2016, https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2016.303095.

“Overlooked for Too Long: Boys and Human Trafficking.” United States Department of State, June 2023, https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Overlooked-for-Too-Long-Boys-and-Human-Trafficking.pdf.

“Return and Reintegration.” United Nations, https://www.unodc.org/documents/human-trafficking/Toolkit-files/08-58296_tool_7-3.pdf.