ABSTRACT
To fully grasp the traumatic effects of trafficking, one must appreciate the impact of childhood adversity and repeated victimization. More often than not victims of human trafficking have experienced sexual and physical abuse from those on whom they were reliant for basic needs. Years of abuse creates a vulnerability to traffickers who, under the guise of love and protection, manipulate young victims into a life of sexual servitude and abuse. Victims endure traumatization prior to being trafficked, as well as while “in the life,” and are often coerced to commit violent acts toward others. Leaving “the life” seems impossible to victims due to fear, shame and the biological impact of the trauma they have survived. Yet, victims are freed from their traffickers often with the assistance of law enforcement. This is a crucial time, as rarely do victims identify as such. They enter treatment, often by mandate, with incomplete histories and challenging symptoms. Victims are often misdiagnosed and struggle for understanding in treatment. Accurate diagnosis via understanding of the many facets of complex trauma is critical for one’s successful transformation from victim to survivor.
Learning ObjectivesAt the end of the chapter, readers will be able to:
Understand risk factors that play a role in individuals becoming victims of trafficking;
Define trauma bonding and explain how it impacts a victim’s ability to leave “the life” and his/her trafficker;
Define complex PTSD (CPTSD) and articulate why this is such an appropriate diagnosis for victims of trafficking;
Explain traumatic reenactment and how this phenomenon impacts trafficking victims, and why this so important for clinicians to understand; and
Articulate the three phases of the Sequenced Approach and explain why this method is so efficacious in work with victims/survivors.
