June – PTSD Awareness Month
June marks a significant occasion for human trafficking survivors as it is recognized globally as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. During this time, it is crucial to highlight survivors’ harrowing experiences and raise awareness of the long-term psychological effects of human trafficking. Throughout June, initiatives and programs aim to educate the public and support those who have experienced the trauma of modern slavery.
PTSD Awareness Month
Human trafficking is a pervasive global issue that affects millions of people, exploiting them through forced labour, sexual exploitation, and other coercive means. Survivors of human trafficking undergo unspeakable horrors that leave deep emotional and psychological scars. They endured physical and emotional abuse, coercion, and the loss of autonomy, all of which contributed to developing PTSD.
PTSD is a mental health disorder that develops after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. In the context of human trafficking, survivors endure prolonged and severe trauma, leading to a complex array of symptoms associated with PTSD. Flashbacks, nightmares, hyper-vigilance, and emotional numbness are common signs that survivors battle daily.
PTSD triggers for human trafficking survivors can be diverse, including certain smells, sounds, or even specific locations that remind them of their past trauma. Furthermore, survivors may find it challenging to establish trust with others, form healthy relationships, or reintegrate into society due to their traumatic experiences. Stigma and misunderstanding often surrounding their condition further isolate and exacerbate their suffering.
Apart from PTSD, survivors can also experience other complex and multi-faceted experiences, affecting their emotional, cognitive, and behavioural well-being. Some examples are:
- Emotional Numbing: To cope with the overwhelming trauma, survivors may develop emotional numbing as a defense mechanism. They may disconnect from their emotions to shield themselves from pain and distress. While this coping mechanism may be adaptive during captivity, it can impede their ability to experience joy, trust, and intimacy in their post-trauma lives.
- Guilt and Shame: Survivors often carry a heavy burden of guilt and shame, which may result from coerced actions under the control of their traffickers. They may feel responsible for their exploitation or blame themselves for being unable to escape sooner. These feelings of guilt and shame can hinder their ability to seek help and open up about their experiences.
- Identity Crisis: Human trafficking survivors may struggle to reclaim their sense of self and personal identity. Their trauma can leave them feeling disconnected from their bodies and alienated from their pre-trafficking lives. They may also face challenges in reconciling their experiences with their present identities.
Take Action, Get Involved.
There are several ways individuals, communities, and organizations can make a positive impact and provide assistance to survivors of human trafficking:
- Raise Awareness: Educate yourself and others about the realities of human trafficking and the mental trauma survivors face. Share information on social media, participate in awareness campaigns and engage in discussions to combat misconceptions and stigmas surrounding survivors’ experiences.
- Support Trauma-Informed Services: Advocate for and support trauma-informed services that cater to the unique needs of survivors. These services prioritize safety, empowerment, and respect, understanding the lasting impact of trauma on survivors’ lives.
- Volunteer and Partner with NGOs: Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and shelters work tirelessly to provide support and resources to trafficking survivors. Volunteer your time, skills, or resources to these organizations to help survivors access counselling, legal assistance, education, and vocational training.
- Be a Compassionate Listener: Be there for survivors as a compassionate and non-judgmental listener. Understand that sharing their experiences can be incredibly challenging for them, so offering a supportive ear without pressuring them to talk is crucial.
- Advocate for Survivor Rights: Support the rights of survivors and empower them to access justice, financial compensation, and restitution from their traffickers. Advocate for policies that prioritize survivor well-being and rights.
In Conclusion…
Human trafficking survivors face profound mental trauma that requires understanding, empathy, and collective support to overcome. We can help survivors on their journey towards recovery and empowerment by raising awareness, providing trauma-informed care, volunteering, and advocating for their rights. Compassion and assistance can positively change survivors’ lives, supporting them to rebuild their lives and reclaim their dignity. Our shared commitment to eradicating human trafficking and celebrating survivors’ resilience should inspire us to stand united.