Trauma manifestations of human trafficking survivors

Abstract

Human trafficking is a hidden criminal deed that has plagued society for thousands of years. As a result of human trafficking’s clandestine nature, studies which explore and describe the trauma manifestations of survivors are underrepresented globally and in South Africa. The current qualitative study uses Judith Herman’s complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) theory as theoretical lens to explore and describe the trauma manifestations of trafficking survivors. The study used purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews from five participants, who are actively involved in counter human trafficking. By means of Braun and Clarke’s inductive thematic analysis, three main themes were developed. These are A new normal, The great escape, and Brokenness attracts brokenness. The findings of the study closely correlated with symptoms associated with compromised interpersonal relationships, experiences of being trapped, and the prolonged enduring of chronic and repeated trauma as proposed by Judith Herman’s CPTSD theory. This knowledge can assist policy makers and service providers to develop assistance and interventions tailored to the needs of trafficking survivors, and enable service providers to respond appropriately.