Providing services to trafficking survivors: Understanding practices across the globe

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Human trafficking is a global issue, with survivors representing all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, religions, and countries. However, little research exists that identifies effective practices in supporting survivors of human trafficking. The research that does exist is Western-centric. To fill this gap in the literature, the goal of this research was to understand practices used throughout the globe with adult human trafficking survivors. Methods: A qualitative approach was utilized. Providers from 26 countries, across six different continents, were interviewed to allow for a comprehensive and multi-faceted understanding of practices in working with survivors. Results: Participants identified utilizing an empowerment-based, survivor, and human life–centered approach to working with survivors, emphasized the importance of engaging in community level interventions, and highlighted the importance of government recognition of human trafficking. Discussion: Findings provide information from the perspective of advocates on best practices in the field that can be used by agencies to enhance human trafficking programming.

KEYWORDS:

• Human trafficking
• trafficking services
• global best practices
• international social work

Acknowledgments

The authors express their gratitude to Griselda Vega, the Senior Director of Safe Horizon’s Anti-Trafficking Program, and for all of the participants from across that globe that participated in this study. The material is based upon work financially supported by Philip Morris International. Any opinions and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of Safe Horizon, Inc. or Philip Morris International.