RISK IN THE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

ASSOCIATED WITH HUMAN TRAFFICKING

There is very limited evidence on the health consequences

of human trafficking. This systematic review reports on
studies investigating the prevalence and risk of violence
while trafficked and the prevalence and risk of physical,
mental, and sexual health problems, including HIV, among
trafficked people.
Trafficking victims often suffer from serious physical abuse
and physical exhaustion, as well as starvation. Typical
injuries can include broken bones, concussion, bruising or
burns, as well as other injuries consistent with assault. Some
of these serious injuries can cause lasting health problems
and may require long-term treatment. Because women who
have been trafficked have been subjected to multiple abuses
over an extensive period of time, they may suffer health
consequences similar to those of victims of prolonged
torture.
Sexual assault is a traumatic event with physical and
emotional effects on the victim. Sexual assault is any sexual
activity between two or more people in which one person is
involved against his or her will.
Trafficking victims are often made to participate in sexual
activities through, for example, pressure from someone with
authority over them, bribery or manipulation, or impairment
from alcohol or drugs. After experiencing sexual assault, a
woman may experience a range of physical consequences

and emotional reactions, including severe stress and

depression.
This type of physical and sexual abuse leads to severe
mental or emotional health consequences, including feelings
of severe guilt, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression,
anxiety, substance abuse (alcohol or narcotics) and eating
disorders.
Victims can also experience gynecologic health problems
that stem from forced commercial sex acts. They might
suffer from sexually transmitted diseases, menstrual pain
and irregularities, miscarriages, and forced abortions, among
other problems.
In extreme cases, the mental anguish can lead to selfmutilation or suicide. Victims of trafficking often need
psychological care as part of standard medical treatment .

The Psychological PROBLEMS:

The psychological impact of victimization may be more
severe than the physical violence (WHO, 2012). Victims who
have been rescued from sexual slavery, typically present
with various psychological symptoms and mental illnesses,
including the following:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Depression
Anxiety
Panic disorder
Suicidal ideation
Stockholm Syndrome
Substance abuse.

PROVIDING CARE SND SUPPORT:

They only expect.
Adapted to the individuals needs
Supportive and avoids judgmental statements or
actions
Integrated and wholistic, treating the trafficked

person as a whole person, not just a list of clinical

symptoms.
Empowering, ensuring that the patients rights to
information, privacy, bodily integrity and participation
in decision-making are respected
Supportive of healing and recovery through a
patient-centered treatment plan.
Physical and psychological impact on sexual trauma
Psychological and emotional
Spiritual
Physical
Social
Emotional

Physiological and emotional issues:

Disruption of healthy psychological development

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Self-injurious & suicidal behavior
Dissociative disorder
Anxiety, paranoia
Explosive outbursts
Depression
Sleep disturbance and nightmares
Hyper-equalization.

Spiritual issues:

Despair
Hopelessness
Worthlessness
Lack of belief in humanity
Lack of faith in a spiritual power.

Physical issues:
Continuous (repeated) physical abuse
Rape and gang-rape
STIs, HIV/AIDS

Pregnancy (wanted/unwanted)
Sterility
Tattoos or physical branding
Substance abuse/addiction
Cutting/self-mutilation
Loss of bowel control
social Issues:
Isolation from peer group

Disconnection from community and family

Isolation (real and perceived) from mainstream society
Homelessness
Incarceration or criminal record
Lack of life skills
Obstacles to vocation
Educational deprivation
Emotional issues:
Anger and rage.
Deep emotional pain or grieving.
Feelings of humiliation or shame.
Stigma of exploitation.
Self-blame or self-loathing.
Loss of sexual desire, feelings or response.

By: sai supriya. b.p.t