Mental Health Needs of Sex Trafficking Survivors in New York City: Reflections on Exploitation, Coping, and Recovery

Author: Mumey, Audrey; Sardana, Srishti; Richardson-Vejlgaard, Randall & Akinsulure-Smith, Adeyinka

Abstract: It is increasingly acknowledged by academics, practitioners, and policymakers that sex trafficking can lead to various mental health sequelae, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma symptoms, and have lasting effects on the survivors’ health and well-being. What has been lacking in this dialogue, however, are the firsthand stories of survivors. This qualitative, exploratory study was designed to capture the depth and complexity of survivors’ lived experiences of mental health, pathways of recovery, and social reintegration posttrafficking. Six female sex trafficking survivors were recruited for this study in partnership with two legal agencies in New York City. In-depth semistructured individual interviews were conducted with each survivor, and an interpretative phenomenological analysis method was used to analyze and interpret interview transcripts. Participants shared about the chronic betrayal and violence in their trafficking experiences, struggles living with the effects of trafficking on their mental health, how they cope, and their recommendations for supporting other sex trafficking survivors. Practitioners are urged to build trust, address safety and shame, foster agency, avoid judgment, and develop unique knowledge and skills important for this population. These findings attempt to address a crucial gap in the field by amplifying survivor voices, providing valuable insights for practitioners working with this population, and paving the way for further research.

Keywords: trafficking, mental health, coping, interpretative phenomenological analysis, qualitative research