CCAHT powering Grow Free TN https://growfreetn.org Tue, 23 Feb 2021 16:47:26 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://growfreetn.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CCAHT-GFTN-Logo-stacked-100x100.jpg CCAHT powering Grow Free TN https://growfreetn.org 32 32 Perspective from the Criminal Justice Mind https://growfreetn.org/2021/01/25/perspective-from-the-criminal-justice-mind/ Mon, 25 Jan 2021 16:00:23 +0000 https://growfreetn.org/?p=9221  

I received my master’s degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology in the winter of 2019. I remember feeling so fired up and ready to put my knowledge to use. Human trafficking was not at all a foreign concept to me, as it had been discussed extensively in a number of my courses. I knew about the buyers, the trade, and to what extent traffickers would go in order to avoid law enforcement. I had learned of policing tactics, correctional strategies, and criminological theories that explained what would influence an individual to engage in an illegitimate business.

I entered the world of victim services thinking I was fully equipped with the knowledge to make a difference. I thought I was done learning – but I was wrong.

You can’t learn empathy in a classroom. You can’t understand the grief you feel when you lose someone you’ve worked with. There is nothing that can be taught to prepare you for the heartache of watching an individual who has worked so hard toward safety and recovery get pulled back into the life.

I now understand how human trafficking thrives in this country. A huge portion of my academic career centered around the shortcomings of the current criminal justice system and encouraged us to think creatively about solutions to these problems. I feel as if this is almost impossible to do unless you spend some time with the individuals in the field who are putting these ideas into practice. I was never taught about the dangerous misconceptions of human trafficking that prevents victims from seeking help. I never could have understood how the lack of specialized training in rural law enforcement agencies could increase the likelihood that a victim in need of help could be mistaken for a criminal. These are all realities that became clear with firsthand exposure to the things I had spent years reading about.

 

I encourage anyone, regardless of their profession, to learn a little about victim service agencies. There is so much that can be accomplished through community involvement. Whether it’s scheduling a free training at your place of business to help your coworkers identify victims or volunteering your time to collect donations, your knowledge and actions make an impact on the progress of this work in helping survivors and changing the system. If you’re interested in volunteering, want to learn more about human trafficking in East Tennessee, or would like to make a donation to our agency, explore our website at growfreetn.org.

-Gabi Smith,  CCAHT Community Liaison-

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The Impact of Covid on Client Relationships https://growfreetn.org/2021/01/06/the-impact-of-covid-on-relationships/ Wed, 06 Jan 2021 16:08:50 +0000 https://growfreetn.org/?p=9230 It’s no surprise COVID has changed every way we operate this last year. From personal to professional, a great deal of change has been forced on most of us in more ways than we anticipated. This has been abundantly true in my experience, as well. In a field where face to face interaction is about 90% of your work, not being able to meet with clients in person was definitely one of the greatest challenges I faced in 2020. 

In-person interaction with the clients we serve is truly invaluable. A lot of our work involves just sitting with a client and being a solid object, or solid, steady person, they can share their heart with. Sometimes they just need someone to listen, or even just share the same space with them when emotions feel too heavy to carry alone. An essential part of getting to know a client and forming that critical connection is body language. This allows for better self-expression and the exchange of personal gestures that just don’t translate through the screen. Communication can also feel stuffy or less personal online. I’ve found clients are more reserved when we’re not able to physically share each other’s’ company. With this figurative and literal barrier between you and a client, it can sometimes impede the potential for progress. 

We also know COVID is negatively impacting high risk populations more than others, as access to all their usual resources are not all necessarily available online. I’ve had several clients who are not able to access Zoom or other online platforms, and therefore the only alternative is to not meet at all if we can’t meet in person. Phone calls are definitely better than nothing, but they’re no substitute. I cannot articulate just how much 2020 and this pandemic have really revealed to us the true value of face to face, human interaction. 

While it’s been an incredibly frustrating season, it’s also forced growth upon us in really getting creative with staying connected to clients, regardless of what COVID has thrown our way. While working a program through a screen is not preferred, it’s sometimes all we can do! Therefore, we make the best of it. I think staying consistent with our clients has been the most critical and impactful component of adapting to so many unexpected changes. I have had several clients say logging on with us is the best part of their week, and it is absolutely mine. I’ve also found dropping off materials with little fun surprises, even something as small as a new notebook or some candy has also been quite impactful in lifting spirits when we can’t meet in person. It’s making small gestures of effort that show others you care and you’re still here, no matter what. I also don’t think I’ve ever valued a genuine smile the way I do now, because that is one thing that will always still translate through a screen.

These events that transpired this year were unlike anything we could have seen coming. But maybe we learned more about ourselves and our capabilities than we ever would have otherwise (and the same goes for our clients). This year has changed what we thought possible for client care. We will carry these new lessons with us moving forward for the duration of our time working with our survivors, and we will never be the same because of it, in the very best way. When you operate with the same established patterns for so long, you almost forget the power of raw creativity. I think the pandemic was a real “drawing board” moment for us all. You’re not sure what to do or how you’ll move forward, you just know that you will

-Rachel Baker, Youth Care Coordinator

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For Chloe. https://growfreetn.org/2020/10/01/for-chloe/ Thu, 01 Oct 2020 15:30:39 +0000 https://growfreetn.org/?p=9044 A couple of weeks ago, our team received word that a young woman we had served earlier this year had died. We’ve been taking time to process; to grieve. And we want to honor her memory by giving space and recognition to her life. We wish you could have known her. So here, while still honoring her privacy and the privacy of her family,  we want to share who she was with you.

Here, we’ll call her Chloe.

When you ask Amanda, one of our housing support staff, about Chloe, a smile immediately lights up her face. “After the first couple of nights that she was here, she perked up. Regardless of her situation, she was always smiling, and she certainly walked with a pep in her step. She was outspoken and you knew instantly if she liked you or not.”

The people we help – men, women, and children – not all of their stories have a happy ending. For some, like Chloe, the end comes too soon. And while we are overjoyed to share good news of hope and progress and brighter days with you, our family – volunteers, donors, friends, partners, funders – we want you to know that doesn’t happen every single day. Safety, recovery, breaking free – these don’t exist on a linear plane. Recovery and moving forward and learning how to love again are all messy journeys, and arriving safely beyond it all isn’t easy, it isn’t quick, and it certainly isn’t a given.

But that’s why what we do here matters. That’s why tenets like “love first” and “stronger together” aren’t just empty words: they are key pillars, the driving forces, of how we conduct ourselves, how we serve our community, and how we build relationships with the survivors we serve.

You make that possible. When women like Chloe come to our safe shelter in need of resources and support, those things are available to them because of you. When they grapple with rediscovering themselves and their identity beyond the victimization they’ve experienced, they are able to break through and break free because of you.

“She had a lot of dreams, and I think it’s important to note that her demons told her those dreams were just impossible,” says Amanda. “Even though that was the case she still held on, I think, to the hope of one day being set free. She liked to laugh, and I think the only time I saw her without that big smile was the last night she was here. I believe firmly she knew that this organization as a whole loved her and cared about her. If she hadn’t she never would have corresponded with us when she left. I think that’s also a testament to how great and powerful love can be, even if we only have a short time to show it.”

Chloe, like all of the survivors we serve, was not defined by her victimization. She was not defined by the trauma she lived through. She was a feisty young woman who loved to laugh. She had a family who loved her. Like all of us, she had dreams and demons and hopes and fears and fire. And we miss her. We miss her smile, and we miss her presence. And we mourn her: we mourn that she is gone, that we won’t see her go on to tackle the dreams she held onto so tightly. But we fight even harder. We cling tight to love and peace and paving a way forward – for Chloe, and for all who will come after her.

“I have peace in knowing that she never forgot how much we loved her,” Amanda says. “There was definitely something special about her, and I really think her life in the end would be a great lesson to us all about how fragile the souls we work with really are. I’m sure in a weird way that would be one of her goals accomplished.”

To Chloe – we love you. We miss you. We know you are free.

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“Gearing Up” for #ccahtshareyourstrides https://growfreetn.org/2020/08/21/gearing-up-for-ccahtshareyourstrides/ Fri, 21 Aug 2020 18:37:09 +0000 https://growfreetn.org/?p=8977 Disclaimer: Though I mention specific brands in this post, this is not an advertisement for those brands and I am not compensated for sharing those preferences. I am also not a fitness instructor or healthcare professional, so if you have specific questions about training, diet, or supplements, please consult your healthcare provider.

Every runner has a favorite piece of equipment they swear by. The Piece de Resistance, so to speak – like when you were 5 and you got new shoes so you just had to show everybody how fast you could run and how high you could jump. I’ve come to notice we never actually grow out of this mindset; there are entire industries built around this idea that better equipment will make you a better athlete. While it’s an absolute truth that there are functional features that make one piece of equipment perform better than another, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that what works for someone else (or comes in a pretty package), may not be the best piece of equipment for you.

1. Footwear

In regards to overall performance and safety, my recommendation to new runners is this: it is all about the footwear. Currently, I am rocking a pair of Adidas Adios 4.0 as my outdoor shoe and a pair or Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 as my indoor (treadmill) shoe. I don’t share this because I think these are the right shoes for you; I share it because these are what I have determined work for me right now. Historically, I have loved the Saucony Triumph ISO 2 and 3 (but not the 4 or 5). For a long time, I found myself injured every time I tried to force myself into a pair of Nikes (let’s face it – they are the best-looking athletic shoe there is and I really wanted to make them work). Several times I have tried variations of Brooks – the Honda Civic of the shoe world IMO – but I just don’t share the enthusiasm the rest of the world seems to have. Numerous other running shoes have found their way into my arsenal but have not made it past their initial debut. Don’t get married to a brand for better or for worse – when it’s not what you love anymore, move on!

Footwear can impact performance, but it can also make or break injury. Very often when a runner is injured, their doctor recommends a change of shoe. There are lots of factors in footwear that determine if it is “right” for you. I won’t go into the science here, but I’ve included some links at the end of this post that can be helpful in determining the best footwear. You should also change your running shoes approximately every 300-500 miles. There are apps like Nike Run Club that can help you keep track of mileage and provide reminders when it is time to upgrade your shoe. Just remember that what works for someone else may not be the best footwear for you, and what works for you now may evolve in the future!

2. Apparel

My personal favorite piece of equipment has nothing to do with performance and everything to do with convenience. On a friend’s recommendation, I now bring my Flipbelt on every run. Flipbelt fits around my waist and is a convenient way to carry my phone, keys, and a special-fitting water bottle without the burden and bounce of a runner’s pack.

In regard to clothing, I have female friends who refer to themselves as “bra snobs” and swear that investing in a good sports bra is the key to success; others swear their performance socks make the difference. Personally, I just go with what is comfortable, cute, and affordable when it comes to clothing. I will say this: if you find something you really like, buy it in every color!

3. Music

I consider music as part of my running “equipment” because for me, music can influence the purpose and intensity of my run. I can use music to facilitate a “calming” run, or I can use it to enhance what I call my “rage runs.” In fact, you can find playlists that are designed specifically to affect your pace (imagine a personal metronome in your headphones) or utilize music streaming services like Spotify with features that will allow your music to match your running pace (speaking of Spotify playlists, have you listened to our #shareyourstrides playlist on Spotify yet? check it out here). If nothing else, music is a nice distraction from the fact that you are suffering and panting like a wildebeest.

4. Fuel

I don’t go crazy with supplements, but I do highly recommend BCAA amino acids after a run to aid in recovery. You can pick these up at basically any health food shop, and I really do swear by their effects. I also enjoy the energy gel Gu if I will be doing a longer run. (Correction: I do not enjoy these. The consistency makes me gag and I think they are named “Gu” because that is the noise I make when I try to swallow them. But they do seem to help with stamina, and I enjoy the benefits.)

Above all for performance: HYDRATE! Not just during or after your run, but All.The.Time.

Every runner will try to sell you their own version of “snake oil,” and as you accumulate miles you will discover your own personal secret weapons and find yourself bestowing your wisdom upon others. A friend and I were recently wondering how many of these potions are simply placebo effect and we decided that in the end, it doesn’t really matter! If it makes you feel better and makes you wake up tomorrow and run again, run further, run faster – then you do you!

For Further Reading

Click here to learn more and register for Share Your Strides, a virtual stride-a-thon event to benefit the CCAHT.

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#shareyourstrides: Stepping Out, Stepping Forward in a COVID World https://growfreetn.org/2020/08/20/shareyourstrides-stepping-out-stepping-forward-in-a-covid-world/ Thu, 20 Aug 2020 20:20:50 +0000 https://growfreetn.org/?p=8970

Enjoy the little things. One day you’ll look back and realize they were big things. ― Kurt Vonnegut

I think we can all agree that 2020 has thrown a lot of curveballs at us. Some of them were easy to “hit,” while others gave us a sense of striking out. My 2020 started off great; I moved out of my parents’ house and started a new job at CCAHT that I loved. Unexpectedly, COVID-19 came into our lives, bringing chaos and fear. Being a natural worrier, I started to overthink situations and my anxiety went through the roof. I worried about my family, my health, and wondered how we as a community would ever bounce back. What made this year even more challenging was the fact that I was stuck at home – my new home – alone. I felt isolated and depressed. My co-workers and family checked up on me which helped a little, but I still felt like I had this weight on my chest.

One day I was browsing through the Washington Post and came across an article talking about how important it was to go outside and walk for your mental health during COVID-19. The author wrote, “At a time when many of us feel isolated, stepping outside can reconnect us to something larger than ourselves.” That sounded a little too easy. But I went out that day and walked anyway, for almost two hours.

I felt like I could breathe easier, my mood improved immediately, and I overall felt better. I realized that it wasn’t being alone that made me feel isolated and depressed; it was the fact that I wasn’t giving myself enough attention and taking care of my mental and physical health. 2020 hasn’t been terribly kind, and we’ve had to learn how to roll with the punches. We’ve had to relearn how to enjoy the little things and take peace and comfort in knowing that those little happy moments can keep us going and propel us forward to the next day.

This month through Share Your Strides, I’m striding for the survivors who come to the CCAHT feeling isolated and alone. It can be overwhelming and scary for survivors when it comes to making that first step toward a new place, a new routine, a different life – as it would be for any of us. The CCAHT is here for survivors and for our community – for you – every step of the way, with love and resources to help those we serve – and East Tennessee – heal and grow. That first stride is hard, but it’s made easier when we take it together.

 

Click here to learn more and register for Share Your Strides, a virtual stride-a-thon event to benefit the CCAHT.

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My Personal Relationship With Running https://growfreetn.org/2020/08/19/my-personal-relationship-with-running/ Wed, 19 Aug 2020 20:02:57 +0000 https://growfreetn.org/?p=8967 I always hesitate when other people refer to me as a “runner”; a weird reaction for someone who runs 4-5 days per week, and has performed relatively well in any of the competitive events I have participated in. To me, “runner” is a reference to those professional athletes who compete in events and are basically superhuman. My personal running adventure will likely never get to this level of intensity, but my relationship with running helps shape the person I am, and in doing so serves as my own personal superhero weapon. Over the course of the next few weeks, to celebrate Share your Strides, I will share insight into my own personal world of running. I have no particular expertise or professional experience—but I can offer you several years’ worth of wisdom based on hundreds of miles of experience. Today I will start at the core—why do I run?

I’ll spare you the long-winded story about how I got into running. I remember my very first run was an utter disaster and I quickly concluded it was not for me, putting up my running shoes for several years. I don’t quite remember how or when I pulled those shoes back out of exile; all I know is that it happened and I haven’t hung them up since. This simple event is the foundation of why I run…because I DID. I am not a runner, but I got those shoes out and I ran. Feeling empowered, I set a small goal for myself- two miles. The rush of accomplishing that goal was incredible, so I set another goal and I reached that too, and this kept going. Pretty soon it became a process—setting lofty goals for myself and then creating “plans” for attaining them. I started receiving positive feedback from friends and family, and that compounded the positive feelings of accomplishment, further encouraging me to continue to push.

And that is the core of it all—why I run. I run because it gives me the opportunity to set goals, to creatively decide how to conquer these goals, and to reflect when I find myself falling short of these goals. I can literally measure success—miles, minutes, pace, etc. I have options to measure progress and deterioration that are objective and firm; and I can find small means of celebrating those small accomplishments in order to stay motivated toward the goal at large.

By trade, I am a mother, a wife, and a social worker—arguably the best jobs in the world, but also some of the hardest when it comes to measuring “success.” There is no consistent scale that determines when you are “successful.” The term “mom guilt” is a very real phenomenon (and much more broadly applicable). There are also very limited “goals” you can set—“be a good social worker”—but what does this even mean?! You can pour your blood, sweat, and tears into any of these roles, and you might always wonder if it was enough. Running has brought me all of these things—blood, sweat and tears—but at the end of it, I know my outcome; I have actual metrics to correlate with the level of effort and hard work. Parenting is inherently rewarding—but smashing a pace goal gives you an undeniable feeling of accomplishment.

I always knew I was going to be a mother. I assumed I would become a wife. I was destined to become a social worker. I never imagined I would become a weekend warrior who enjoyed running. Running provides me the opportunity to push through limitations, to facilitate an immediate reward that is enough to produce that “runner’s high” that makes you want to chase it again tomorrow—and to build the confidence that says YOU CAN.

Running is my personal self-care; I can use it to manipulate my mood, and I can rely on it to keep me healthy. I feel like running is this secret weapon that I have learned to tap into and I feel fortunate that I get to take advantage. Although “runner” is probably an appropriate title after all, I like to consider myself a “woman who runs.”

 

Click here to learn more and register for Share Your Strides, a virtual stride-a-thon event to benefit the CCAHT.

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#shareyourstrides: Alexis’ Story https://growfreetn.org/2020/08/18/shareyourstrides-alexis-story/ Tue, 18 Aug 2020 19:46:28 +0000 https://growfreetn.org/?p=8955 Note: Names in the following post have been changed to protect the privacy and safety of the survivors we serve.

Alexis: you may know her story already if you follow our posts online. We recently shared her story as an example of perseverance and success in the face of great odds and multiple barriers.

Alexis, you see, made many strides to reach freedom, and eventually opportunities for a new life. In the beginning, her strides were shaky and didn’t get her very far: she faced many complicated barriers, including isolation, manipulation, fraud, abuse, systemic breakdowns, and lack of resources. But she did not give up in her pursuit of freedom and justice.

With each shaky stride, she reached out for help, and eventually she was connected with the CCAHT. Those unwavering, courageous strides in the beginning of Alexis’s journey led her to opportunities for freedom and success. Once Alexis was connected with the CCAHT, she began making strides toward independence and self-sufficiency through financial assistance, access to housing, and an employment opportunity. With each stride, Alexis gained confidence and resources to move onto the next goal.

I’m so grateful I’m not in the dark anymore.

When Alexis was settled into her new home, and had some steady income, she took the next step toward pursuing her temporary Visa status (which she had lost during her experience of being trafficked). She was then able to pursue more gainful employment – huge strides toward further independence. Finally, with links to appropriate law enforcement agencies who could assist, Alexis obtained her T-Visa, a special Visa for survivors of human trafficking.

This enormous stride has opened many doors for Alexis. With this status, she has been able to pursue educational goals and has become a certified medical assistant. She now has a career, stable housing, legal status, and most importantly, she is free from harm and abuse. Each important stride, however small or shaky, led Alexis down her path toward freedom. CCAHT is proud to have walked alongside her and continues to cheer her on from the sidelines as she continues to make strong strides in her life.

Click here to read the full impact story on the CCAHT website.

Click here to learn more and register for Share Your Strides, a virtual stride-a-thon event to benefit the CCAHT.

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Courage and Progress, One Stride at a Time https://growfreetn.org/2020/08/18/courage-and-progress-one-stride-at-a-time/ Tue, 18 Aug 2020 19:29:54 +0000 https://growfreetn.org/?p=8939 “Stride.” Literally, to stride means to take a long decisive step in a specific direction. Figuratively, it means to step or make progress toward an aim or goal.

Strides. We all make them.  Sometimes each stride is arduous and requires a lot of energy, like when you start training as a runner or you start taking action toward making great changes in your life. Sometimes those strides are glorious and with each one you feel a sense of accomplishment as you near the finish line. Or maybe each stride is its own finish line, as each stride took energy and courage to achieve.

Strides, like breaths, keep us going; they feed us and nourish us and keep us fueled to continue on. Many of us take strides on our own, and we push through the tough days and keep coming back for more. But sometimes we need assistance to make strides and to help move the roadblocks out of our way, like a coach who encourages us, believes in us, and gives us the tools to grow and learn with each stride. 

At the CCAHT, this is what we strive to achieve with the services we provide. We walk alongside the individuals we serve as they make strides toward freedom and independence. Sometimes we hold their hand and help them over hurdles, but sometimes we just cheer them on from the sidelines. For one survivor, her stride may be getting out of bed each day, bathing, and participating in one activity that helps improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and loneliness. For another, a stride may be enrolling in a substance use treatment program and going each day, even when it takes all she has. And then for others, a stride may be facing their trafficker in court to testify against him, to bring justice to her and her friends who were victimized by his actions.

Each individual makes strides that are tailored to their personal goals and capacity. Our job at the CCAHT is to support them and help them decide what their aim is and what they are capable of and then encourage, support, and walk alongside them as they make their strides – big and small.

Will you stride with us?

Click here to learn more and register for Share Your Strides, a virtual stride-a-thon event to benefit the CCAHT.

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‘Save the Children’ and the Truth About Human Trafficking in East Tennessee https://growfreetn.org/2020/08/14/savethechildren-and-the-truth-about-human-trafficking/ Fri, 14 Aug 2020 21:56:27 +0000 https://growfreetn.org/?p=8903 Some of you may have heard of the ‘save the children’ hashtag.

While this hashtag may have started out with good intentions to spread awareness about human trafficking, many popular social media hashtags and movements can devolve into perpetuating something more mythical than grounded. Some of these movements can sometimes cast a shadow over the truth of the survivors we have the privilege to serve. It is a smokescreen for human traffickers. This is dangerous.

Here’s the truth: traffickers are shrewd entrepreneurs. They are calculated and meticulous in their actions. Manipulating a trafficked person typically involves a close and exploitative relationship – not a stranger-danger “snatch and grab.” Often, traffickers are people the victim feels s/he can trust: a romantic partner – a boyfriend. Or as we often see in cases of child trafficking in East Tennessee, a family member – mom. Dad. This manipulation happens slowly, over time; weeks, months, years.

Traffickers understand that relationships are powerful, and they target vulnerable populations because those populations are already inherently compromised. Many individuals who fall victim to human trafficking already need something – food, shelter, money, love, compassion, stability. So traffickers both compromise their victim and provide what seems to be his/her only solution at the same time.

This isn’t to say that kidnapping never happens, but stranger danger and kidnapping are not how we see human trafficking happening in East Tennessee. Traffickers don’t have to conceal their identities behind a mask, and they don’t have to hide their victims behind masks either; they already have the best cover of all: that of a parent. That of a romantic partner. The relationship they’ve cultivated makes it easy for them and for their actions to fly under the radar.

So what can you do? 

We are so excited to see our community mobilized and passionate about counter-trafficking work. But consider the stories and clients we serve in East Tennessee when you use this hashtag. Sensationalizing the issue we face as a community detracts from the truth we see and shelters the systems and people who oppress vulnerable individuals in our community. It is vital that we work together to raise awareness about the truths of human trafficking – not just for our community, but for victims who are looking for a way out of this life.

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Psychological Effects of Human Trafficking: How Can You Help? [Part 3] https://growfreetn.org/2020/07/28/psychological-effects-of-human-trafficking-how-can-you-help-part-3/ Tue, 28 Jul 2020 16:35:59 +0000 https://growfreetn.org/?p=8782 Part three in a three-part series written by CCAHT therapist, Amy Canfield.

In the previous segments of this three-part series (catch part one and part two, if you missed them), we discussed how traffickers use complex tactics to control victims through force, coercion and fraud. These tactics often lead to complex adverse psychological effects for the victims, giving the trafficker more control, while creating complicated symptoms for victims to cope with and manage.

In this segment, we will discuss why support is important and how others can support victims in their healing journey out of sexual exploitation.

How can you help?

As discussed, there are many complicated effects of human trafficking on victims. Each of these effects impacts a victim’s ability to cope, receive help, and commit to change, and the impact is compounded when a victim experiences multiple psychological effects from their trauma. So, most important, it is imperative that victims of human trafficking are referred to appropriate services that specialize in human trafficking/victim advocacy, trauma, mental health and/or substance use. The experience of human trafficking is complex and professional support and treatment are vital to the healing process.  

Professional Support Services:

Specialized victim advocacy programs, like the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking, can offer emergency shelter, short- and long-term case management, and therapy services specially designed to meet the needs of survivors of human trafficking.

Individual therapy and group therapy can address the unique needs of survivors. And, as needed, psychiatric services, medication, and substance use treatment can address complex mental health and addiction concerns.

Professional, specialized services can help in the following ways:

  • Appropriately and consistently address mental health concerns and substance use disorders to reduce and manage symptoms.
  • Increase awareness and personal control over one’s senses, thoughts and emotions, as well as behavior and choices.
  • Address and reduce personal shame and guilt by providing judgment-free support and validation.
  • Provide education related to the nature of trafficking and the tactics used to manipulate and exploit others.
  • Assess suicide risk and provide appropriate intervention.
  • Provide opportunities for education, awareness, and access to resources and support that provide for alternative ways of life.
  • Help reconnect and rebuild sense of identity and trust in their own thoughts, beliefs, and emotions.
  • Provide specialized services that are individually tailored to each victim’s needs.

Support from caring non-professionals:

  • Educate yourself and become aware of the complex psychological effects of human trafficking on victims
  • Assist and support victims in accessing appropriate, professional services and treatment
  • Provide judgment-free support
  • Become aware of available resources and services
  • Help victims build social supports and access appropriate community resources
  • Be patient and understanding, as the process of change may take time and may look very different for each individual

In conclusion, the experience of trafficking and sexual exploitation can cause a variety of negative psychological effects. Many of these effects will require some level of professional intervention, in addition to judgement-free support. The more you know about how trauma impacts survivors of trafficking, the more prepared you can be to understand the challenges they face in getting out of the life, and in rebuilding a life free from manipulation, exploitation, and abuse. Navigating, managing, and healing from the long-term effects of trauma can take time, but with caring professional and non-professional supports, healing is possible.

Just now jumping into the series? Catch part one and part two on the CCAHT blog.

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