By Constance Thum, Contributing Writer
Sex trafficking’s relationship with mental health is multifaceted, playing into sex trafficking before, during and after the experience. Besides the trauma of being held captive and the sexual abuse that most victims undergo, mental health issues predispose victims to sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. In light of this, mental health services should be offered to survivors of sex trafficking to help them better rehabilitate their daily lives, and there should likewise be greater awareness on the importance of mental health to better protect potential victims from predators.
Sex trafficking is undeniably a highly traumatic event for any individual, leaving behind emotional scars and increasing the risk of mental illnesses like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. In a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, it was reported that participants experienced high levels of physical violence both prior to and during the time they were trafficked. Victims of sex trafficking may be emotionally abused in the form of threats, coercion and humiliation that produce mental and emotional disorders. The chronic distress and intense trauma of the trafficking experience often results in victims developing depression and anxiety, and an overwhelming 77% of participants in the study had possible PTSD. In extreme cases, victims of sex trafficking may even engage in self-harm or attempt suicide. The severity of mental illness because of trafficking may depend on factors like duration of captivity, violence and restrictions on movement. After sex trafficking, the mental illnesses induced from the experience may be further exacerbated by the stress of rehabilitating into society, and they may reduce a victim’s ability to cope with stressful situations. In addition, stigmatisation of mental health issues or self-isolation may prevent victims of sex trafficking from accessing the mental health services they require, which may lead to a perpetual cycle of shame and social withdrawal.
Other than the mental health issues caused by sex trafficking, mental illness also makes individuals more susceptible to trafficking. The same study by the American Journal of Public Health found that girls and women commonly experienced violence prior to being trafficked, which may have increased their risk of mental disorders after trafficking. Loneliness and depression among adolescents may also allow predators to manipulate, control and coax girls into situations that put themselves at risk, thus increasing the vulnerability of being trafficked. A related study also highlighted how poor mental health may reduce the capacity of individuals to understand and make sensible decisions or increase their dependence on other people who may not always have their best interests at heart. Issues with mental health may therefore be a contributing cause and inevitable effect of sex trafficking.
Consequently, understanding the complex relationship between mental health and sex trafficking is essential in protecting and caring for victims of sex trafficking. With regards to helping sex trafficking survivors, more resources should be allocated to rehabilitative services. Currently, there has been limited research done on the quality and effectiveness of mental health services provided to victims, and more studies should thus be conducted on methods of recovery. Moreover, the devastating psychological impact of sex trafficking and the disruption to victims’ lives may lead to increased difficulty in resuming daily activities. Besides psychological help, victims of sex trafficking may also require assistance with financial and legal matters, especially with regard to obtaining justice for their plight. Training courses for mental health professionals are key to responding to human trafficking, not only in early detection and identification of high-risk individuals but also to give victims the care they need and deserve. Most importantly, we should not stigmatise individuals with mental illness but instead encourage them to seek professional help. Social support is crucial to reinstating trust in survivors of sex trafficking, while also being mindful to not encroach on their privacy or breach their personal boundaries. Raising awareness on sex trafficking and mental health issues would be beneficial in creating a safer and respectful community for both survivors and potential victims.
If you are interested in playing a crucial part in the rehabilitation of child sex trafficking victims, you may consider donating to One Bread Foundation. If you’re able, set up a recurring donation for as little as $1 per month to help us reach our goal of recruiting 1 million supporters to raise awareness and funds for rehabilitation centers serving children rescued from sex trafficking in all 50 states. Alternatively, you can help child sex trafficking victims by sharing One Bread Foundation’s mission and cause. Please share this blog with friends or family members and encourage them to subscribe to our mailing list at one-bread.org.
Resources and Further Reading
Mental health and human trafficking: responding to survivors’ needs