Responding to Victims of Human Trafficking: Interagency Awareness, Housing Services, and Spiritual Care

Author: Baker, Debra & Grover, Elizabeth

Abstract: As the awareness of sex trafficking increases, so does the awareness of the need for victim services. Of the agencies that respond to victims of sex trafficking, few are aware of each other. Little research has been conducted to explore the number of agencies responding to sex trafficking, the types of services they provide, and the level of inter-agency awareness. This study examines agencies in five Southern California counties. The findings show that most agencies became aware of each other by word of mouth and by attending community meetings. Furthermore, this research finds housing to be the greatest need for the victims of sex trafficking. The services least offered are those that increase public understanding of sex trafficking and those that seek to provide spiritual care for victims. The authors of this article challenge all social workers to respond by advocating for greater inter-agency communication, more housing options, and spiritual care for the victims.

Keywords: human trafficking, interagency awareness, housing, spiritual care, California