The impact of sex trafficking on the families of survivors

Sex trafficking is a form of modern slavery that involves the exploitation of people for sexual purposes. It is a global problem that affects millions of men, women, and children every year. Sex trafficking not only harms the victims, but also their families and communities. In this post, I will explore how sex trafficking trauma affects the way its survivors parent, the challenges they face in reintegrating into society, and the coping strategies they use to heal and rebuild their lives.

How sex trafficking trauma affects the way its survivors parent

According to a study by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Copenhagen University, and ECPAT-USA, young immigrant mothers who are survivors of sex trafficking experience various challenges in parenting their pre-school children. The study found that the trauma affected how they parented in three ways:

• It made them overprotective parents in a world perceived to be unsafe. They tended to isolate themselves and their children from social interactions, fearing that they or their children could be harmed or re-trafficked. They also had difficulties trusting others and allowing their children to develop autonomy and independence.

• It fueled emotional withdrawal when struggling with stress and mental health symptoms. They reported feeling sad, numb, and disconnected from their children at times, especially when they were triggered by reminders of their past or faced current hardships. They had trouble being emotionally present and responsive to their children’s needs, which could affect their children’s attachment and development.

• It was a barrier to building confidence as mothers. They often questioned their ability to be good mothers, feeling guilty, ashamed, and unworthy. They lacked self-esteem and empowerment, which were eroded by their trafficking experiences. They also faced stigma and discrimination from society, which made them feel isolated and unsupported.

The challenges they face in reintegrating into society

Survivors of sex trafficking have to overcome many obstacles to reintegrate into society and lead a normal life. Some of the common challenges they face are:

• Health problems. Survivors of sex trafficking have high rates of comorbid mental and physical health disorders, such as sexually transmitted infections, cancer, infertility, heart disease, urinary tract infections, complex PTSD, mood, eating and personality disturbances, and addiction. These health problems can impair their functioning and quality of life, and require long-term treatment and care.

• Financial difficulties. Survivors of sex trafficking often lack education, skills, and work experience, which limit their employment opportunities and income. They also face legal barriers, such as criminal records, immigration status, and lack of identification documents, which prevent them from accessing social services and benefits. They struggle to provide for themselves and their families, and often live in poverty and insecurity.

• Social isolation. Survivors of sex trafficking often lose contact with their families and friends, either because they were separated by their traffickers, or because they feel ashamed and afraid to reconnect. They also face stigma and discrimination from society, which make them feel unwelcome and unwanted. They have difficulties forming new relationships and trusting others, which can lead to loneliness and depression.

The coping strategies they use to heal and rebuild their lives

Despite these challenges, survivors of sex trafficking also show resilience and strength in coping with their trauma and rebuilding their lives. Some of the coping strategies they use are:

• Finding meaning in motherhood. The study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Copenhagen University, and ECPAT-USA found that all the participants regarded their children as the main reason for living, for working towards a better future, and for healing from their trauma. They expressed love, pride, and joy for their children, and tried to provide them with a better life than they had. They also used their children as a source of motivation and hope, and as a way of reclaiming their identity and dignity.

• Seeking social support and faith. The study also found that the participants coped with their challenges by seeking support from various sources, such as family, friends, peers, professionals, and organizations. They appreciated the emotional, practical, and informational support they received, and felt less alone and more empowered. They also relied on their faith and spirituality, which gave them comfort, strength, and guidance.

• Accessing services and resources. Survivors of sex trafficking can benefit from accessing various services and resources that can help them address their needs and improve their situation. For example, they can seek medical and mental health care, legal assistance, education and training, housing and shelter, financial aid, and advocacy and protection. There are many organizations that offer such services and resources, both locally and nationally, such as Covenant House Toronto, ECPAT-USA, and the Canadian National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Conclusion

Sex trafficking is a horrific crime that has devastating consequences for its victims and their families. Survivors of sex trafficking face many challenges in parenting, reintegrating, and healing, but they also show remarkable resilience and courage in coping and rebuilding. They need and deserve our support, compassion, and respect. By raising awareness, providing services, and advocating for change, we can help them restore their rights, dignity, and hope.