The psychological impact of sex trafficking on survivors

Sex trafficking is a form of human trafficking that involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit a person for commercial sex. It is a grave violation of human rights and dignity, and it affects millions of people worldwide, especially women and girls. Sex trafficking can have devastating and lasting psychological effects on survivors, such as:

• Depression: Survivors may experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness. They may also lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, have difficulty sleeping, eating, or concentrating, and have thoughts of suicide.

• Anxiety: Survivors may suffer from excessive fear, nervousness, or worry that interfere with their daily functioning. They may also develop anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, which causes sudden and intense episodes of fear and physical symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and trembling.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Survivors may develop PTSD, a mental health condition that occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD can cause intrusive and distressing memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional numbness. Survivors may also avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma, such as places, people, or situations, and have increased arousal, such as being easily startled, angry, or irritable.

• Substance use and disorders: Survivors may use alcohol, drugs, or other substances to cope with the pain and trauma of sex trafficking. They may also develop substance use disorders, which are characterized by a loss of control over the use of substances, despite the negative consequences on their health, relationships, and well-being.

• Shame and guilt: Survivors may feel ashamed and guilty about what happened to them, and blame themselves for their situation. They may also internalize the stigma and discrimination that society often attaches to sex trafficking victims, and feel unworthy of respect, love, or support.

• Alienation and isolation from social supports: Survivors may feel disconnected and isolated from their family, friends, and community, due to the fear, mistrust, and secrecy that sex trafficking creates. They may also face barriers to accessing services and resources, such as legal, medical, or psychological assistance, due to the lack of awareness, understanding, or sensitivity of the providers.

• Suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide): Survivors may have thoughts of ending their lives, as a way of escaping the suffering and hopelessness that sex trafficking causes. They may also attempt suicide, or engage in self-harm, such as cutting, burning, or hitting themselves.

• Identity disturbance/confusion: Survivors may struggle with their sense of identity, self-esteem, and self-worth, due to the manipulation, degradation, and exploitation that sex trafficking involves. They may also have difficulty recognizing and expressing their emotions, needs, and preferences, and asserting their boundaries and rights.

These psychological effects are not exhaustive, and they may vary depending on the individual’s characteristics, experiences, and coping strategies. However, they indicate the profound and complex impact that sex trafficking can have on survivors’ mental health and well-being.

Fortunately, there is hope and healing for survivors of sex trafficking. With the appropriate support and care, survivors can recover from the trauma and rebuild their lives. Some of the factors that can facilitate recovery include:

• Safety and stability: Survivors need to feel safe and secure in their environment, and have access to basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, and health care. They also need to have a sense of control and predictability over their lives, and be protected from further harm or exploitation.

• Trauma-informed and survivor-centered care: Survivors need to receive care that is respectful, compassionate, and empowering, and that recognizes the impact of trauma on their physical, mental, and emotional health. They also need to have a voice and a choice in their recovery process, and be treated as agents of change, rather than as passive victims.

• Social support and connection: Survivors need to have positive and meaningful relationships with people who care for them, understand them, and support them. They also need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance in their community, and have opportunities to participate in social, educational, or vocational activities that enhance their skills and confidence.

• Counseling and therapy: Survivors need to have access to professional and specialized counseling and therapy services that can help them process and heal from the trauma, and address the psychological effects that sex trafficking has caused. They also need to have a trusting and collaborative relationship with their counselor or therapist, and be able to work at their own pace and comfort level.

• Self-care and coping skills: Survivors need to learn and practice healthy and effective ways of taking care of themselves and managing their stress and emotions. They also need to develop and strengthen their resilience, hope, and optimism, and celebrate their achievements and progress.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of sex trafficking, or is at risk of being trafficked, please know that you are not alone, and that help is available. You can contact the following resources for more information, support, or assistance:

• The National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733. This is a confidential, toll-free, 24/7 hotline that can connect you with local services and resources, or report a tip or a case of human trafficking.

• The Polaris Project: https://polarisproject.org/. This is a non-profit organization that works to combat and prevent human trafficking, and to empower and support survivors. Their website offers information, resources, and advocacy tools on various forms of human trafficking, including sex trafficking.

• The International Organization for Migration (IOM): https://www.iom.int/. This is an intergovernmental organization that works to promote humane and orderly migration, and to assist migrants in need, including victims of human trafficking. Their website provides information, publications, and projects on human trafficking and migrant protection.

• The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC): https://www.unodc.org/. This is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime, and the guardian of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols, including the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Their website features information, data, and resources on human trafficking and related issues.