Understanding the Mindset of a Trafficking Victim

Date

2013

Authors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement

Abstract

Description

When interacting with and providing assistance to potential trafficking victims, it is important to understand their mindset so you can provide them the best care and help them begin the process of restoring their lives. Many trafficking victims do not speak English and do not understand American culture. Preying upon the poor and destitute from countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa, traffickers lure their victims into the United States with promises of marriage, a good job so they can provide for their families back home, and a better life. These promises and dreams quickly turn to nightmares as victims find themselves trapped in the sex industry, the service industry, in sweatshops or in agricultural fields living daily with inhumane treatment, physical and mental abuse, and threats to themselves or their families back home. Sometimes victims do not even know what city or country they are in because they are moved frequently to escape detection. More tips follow.

Keywords

Abuse-sexual, Best Practices-Interviewing, Communication -- training, Exploitation -- trafficking, Guidelines, Best Practices-Evaluation

Citation

DOI