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This article examines aftercare services needed for victims of human trafficking, including the importance of mental health services. Aftercare services must be provided in a trauma-sensitive way which encourages all involved in service provision to understand complex trauma-symptoms and behaviors, possible outcomes, reasons for silence as well as victim thoughts, beliefs and feelings. Therefore, both breadth of knowledge and sensitivity are needed in the provision of aftercare services for those exiting a life of victimization. Trauma-specific therapy, the key role of the social worker, and scriptural mandates are also presented.
Key Words: aftercare, complex trauma, human trafficking, prostitution, sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, silence compliance model, TF-CBT, trauma, trauma-focused care, trauma-informed, trauma-sensitive
IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING, ORGANIZATIONS AND MINISTRIES that focus on prevention, policies, laws and their enforcement, lessening the demand, victim identification, as well as rescue, are needed. Once victims are identified and rescued, however, our fight against human trafficking is not over. Follow-up care is needed to help victims on their journey towards recovery and restoration.
For the purposes of this article, the term "victim" is used to describe those having been traumatized. It references what was done or happened to them. However, the term "survivor" is preferred and more applicable as it describes the person's strengths and resiliency in overcoming such horrendous experiences as human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Though law enforcement or those in victim identification may feel successful when a perpetrator has been apprehended or a rescue has taken place, those in social services know that our job of assisting the victim down the long road to recovery has just begun.
The term "aftercare" is used to refer to the services provided victims of human trafficking. "After" they have been rescued, they need "care" - thus, "aftercare." The focus of aftercare is to bring practical help, as well as hope and healing, to those devastated by trauma.
The provision of these aftercare services, however, must be comprehensive and provided in a trauma-sensitive manner. All of those providing aftercare services should have a foundational understanding of the types, complexity, impact, and possible symptoms of trauma. Without this foundation, victims may easily be re-traumatized, feel violated, invalidated, rejected, unsafe, misunderstood, helpless, and hopeless. Without this foundation victims may discontinue...