Different Rehabilitation Methods for Human Trafficking Survivors

Written by Jasmeen Singh and edited by Emilee Kain. Graphics designed by AJ Crow.

In my opinion, rehabilitation should be considered a journey instead of a destination. Human trafficking survivors may have been deprived of their shelter, their freedom, their family, and other basic necessities. It is important to approach rehabilitation in various stages- starting from the psychological aspect and gradually making way to economic stability and reintegration.

Firstly, trafficking survivors must be provided with a place to live. This shelter should be equipped with trained staff and a psychologist, as “research shows that mental health problems - including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder- are prevalent among trafficked people” (Sukran). By having access to a psychologist, survivors will be able to feel a sense of belonging.

Furthermore, it is essential that shelters work with the government to establish apprenticeship programs catered to providing economic rehabilitation for human trafficking survivors. Common placements include working as a “hairdresser, baker, photocopy shop assistant, and housekeeper” (U.S Department of Justice). It is crucial to ensure that survivors feel comfortable in their placements as they may have been exploited for human labor in the same industry.

Lastly, it is vital that the government provides funding for art therapy and playing sports. “If [the sport is] conducted properly, it can serve as a very valuable method for rehabilitation and social reintegration into society” (United Nations). This fact is true because individuals feel a sense of belonging in these activities. Art therapy is defined as using painting, drawing, or poetry to achieve inner peace. Through art therapy, survivors can “rebuild their self-esteem as artistic creation has the power to instill feelings of confidence” (Xiong).

To conclude, the suffering that human trafficking survivors have been through cannot be expressed in words. By utilizing a variety of rehabilitation methods such as psychological help, apprenticeships, art therapy, and sports, survivors can establish self-confidence and acquire the necessary skills to reintegrate into society.

Works Cited

Altun, Sukran. “Mental health and human trafficking: responding to survivors' needs.” US

National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618827/. Accessed August 30 2020.

“Human Trafficking Task Force e-Guide.” U.S Department of Justice, Victims of Crime

Training and Technical Assistance Center, www.ovcttac.gov/taskforceguide/eguide/4-supporting-victims/44-comprehensive-victim-services/education-job-trainingplacement/. Accessed 30 2020.

“Sports Can Help Rehabilitate Victims of Human Trafficking – UN Official | | UN News.”

United Nations, Uninews.un.org/en/story/2009/10/317402-sports-can-help-rehabilitate-victims-human-trafficking-un-official. Accessed August 30 2020.

Xiong, Gaochen. “Healing Through Art.” Dressember, Dressember, 5 June 2018,

www.dressember.org/blog/arttherapy. Accessed August 30 2020.