Social Work with Transgender Survivors of Human Trafficking: Implications for Practice

Author: Franco, Diana; Sunkel, Michelle & Sherman, Patricia

Abstract: Migrant transgender individuals are at an increased risk of becoming victims of human trafficking and yet are under-represented in research and policy on human trafficking. In the United States (US), they may often be seen in hospital emergency rooms but are frequently mis-gendered and discriminated against. This article discusses the issue of human trafficking of migrant transgender women through the lens of a case example and advocates for the use of trauma-informed care in US-based agencies serving this population. The composite case of Esperanza illustrates the implementation of human rights principles, ethical treatment, and trauma-informed care with a transgender survivor of human trafficking in US-based agencies. The ethics of care are discussed with an emphasis on the core social work principles of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. Autonomy and beneficence are also integral to the ethical approach of provision for trauma-informed and culturally responsive care of migrant transgender women who are survivors of human trafficking.

Keywords: human trafficking, transgender, migrants, trauma-informed care, ethics