ABSTRACT
The majority of trafficking in the United States is domestic and occurs in rural, suburban, and urban areas. The midwestern state of Ohio has become a center in the industry of human trafficking due to its location and accessibility, poverty and unemployment issues, substance abuse dilemma, and the extensive number of pornography studios, strip clubs, and truck stops. This chapter provides an overview of the trauma-informed approach and reasons why this approach is essential when facilitating art therapy groups with survivors of human sex trafficking. Case examples of sex trafficked female survivors receiving art therapy treatment in a safe house setting are provided to explore various, structured, effective, and trauma-informed interventions. The detailed examples represent how art therapy can aid in recovery through experiencing empowerment, emotional processing and reintegration of trauma, increased sense of self-worth, hope, and the establishment of a community of support. Finally, the chapter provides recommendations for best practices when facilitating art therapy with sex trafficked survivors.
