Abstract:
Human trafficking is a global crime that is well known for its complexity and extreme forms
of violence. The crime takes on many diverse forms and consequently the effects on survivors
results in complex practical, physical, and mental health issues. As awareness of the crime of
human trafficking is growing, more identified victims and survivors are requiring
psychosocial aftercare assistance. Psychosocial aftercare service providers must manage the
severity, extent, and complexity of the survivors’ experiences, often with little resources or
training. There is, however, limited literature regarding the experiences of psychosocial
aftercare service providers to these survivors. This qualitative, phenomenological study is
added to the understanding of the psychosocial aftercare service providers’ unique
experiences of providing psychosocial aftercare to trafficked survivors. This study made use
of a purposive, homogeneous sampling method that resulted in four participants being
included in this study. These experiences, as analysed through Interpretative
Phenomenological Analysis, developed five interconnected superordinate themes. These are
namely: Boundaries and roles are complex, Making a difference, The role of knowledge,
Consequences of aftercare service provision, and The importance of support. In addition, the
implications of these findings for policymakers, counter-trafficking stakeholders, and mental
health professionals in South Africa are briefly explored.
