failure to thrive , especially when the victim ’ s need to produce income for the “ owner ” takes precedence over the victim ’ s health . Sex trade victims may come in for reoccurring sexually transmitted diseases ( STDs ). It is important that we not overlook or dismiss these signs lest we lose our window of opportunity to support a lifesaving turning point . These patients typically miss follow-up appointments or relocate , part of the transiency of trafficked life . If a female victim comes in pregnant , this is an opportunity to connect them with a pregnancy support network , including housing , which can be useful in delivering them from the trafficked life .
Recovery Remember , you are part of a team . You cannot effectively care for an HT victim on your own . You need the support of many : other nursing staff , physicians , social workers , case managers , therapists / counselors , civil authorities / law enforcement , and chaplains . Not all may be involved at the initial encounter , but often many are part of the pathway of recovery treatment . Explain to the patient , step by step , what the treatment plan is , as it develops with input from team members . Try obtaining input from the victim regarding understanding , acceptability , and accessibility of resources . Consider that the victim may be illiterate or cultural factors may challenge understanding . This is all key for successful deliverance of the HT victim . If we can start the victim on the path of recovery and get the person to trust us and accept our assurances of safety , we will have crossed the deepest chasm .
Recovery is a lifelong process for HT victims . Once in recovery , many victims and care providers prefer the term “ survivor ” instead of “ victim .” Being viewed as a survivor does frame oneself more positively , and we know how important labeling can be . Consistent support is a common challenge . Connection with supportive family , if possible , may be the most preferred support . This cannot be the case if the victim was trafficked by family . Recovery support groups and programs , if available , are life-changing , addressing body , mind , and spirit wellness . The Renee Jones Empowerment Center , described in resources below , is an example of such a program .
Multi-dimensional recovery that supports physical , emotional , spiritual , financial , housing , and employment concerns are preferred . This is not an easy task due to limited availability and possible cultural , language , health literacy , and financial barriers . Some victims are not American citizens and fear being deported ; traffickers (“ owners ”) typically use this threat to exert power and control over their victims .
Faith-based organizations may offer support in counseling , housing , financial , and spiritual care . Remember to consider faith-based organizations as key resources and check local availability . If they don ’ t have resources , they often can offer help in finding resources .
A 12-step program can be another relevant recovery program since many of the HT victims are suffering from substance use disorders . Another ploy the traffickers use to control their victims is intentionally generating dependency on a drug such as crack or heroin with the victim slaving just to get the next fix .
Not only physical pain , but fear , shame , guilt , lack of selfworth , and addiction , are deviously effective in controlling the victims . This can make recovery challenging , yet successful recovery progress is very possible . There is no cure from the trauma of being trafficked . However , a process of successful recovery , including healing from deep wounds of body , mind , and spirit , is certainly achievable . This often is a slow process with ups and downs , that last a lifetime , requiring ongoing support , in some ways like addiction recovery .
Trauma informed care ( TIC ) is often a part of a successful recovery process . Assessing current and past traumatic experiences , including adverse childhood experiences ( ACE ) are required , as is considering future potential traumatic events , such as a divorce , a major move , a loved one nearing death , or impending emancipation from foster care . Consider how the person acknowledges and has dealt with these traumatic events . What are important cultural , social , and religious factors involved ? What resources are available and acceptable to the person ?
Each person is unique and has experienced and dealt with trauma uniquely . Terms such person-centered or survivor-centered care may also be used to remind us of this uniqueness . The person may be numbed by the trauma , perhaps implementing defense mechanisms such as suppression ( volitional ) or repression ( nonvolitional ). This may be the mind ’ s way of coping with the deep suffering of severe and / or ongoing trauma that occurs in human trafficking . Trauma informed care is difficult and can be draining , hence the importance of being part of a team , receiving help , not trying to do it all on your own . Plus , you want to build your competency in TIC , jumping in without experience or help may retraumatize the victim and / or generate secondary trauma and compassion fatigue for you .
Foundational to recovery from human trafficking is that once the victim is delivered from the trafficking life , the victim ( survivor ) cannot recover alone , without help . Support of one sort or another , even fragmented , is better
34 NSNA IMPRINT • APRIL / MAY 2023 • www . nsna . org