Horticultural Therapy Health Interventions with Female Survivors of Human Trafficking: Program Models

Author: Poláčková, Zuzana; Fleming, Lesley; Brown, Joanna & Kelejian, Heather

Abstract: Human trafficking is a growing issue in society, with numbers continuing to expand exponentially. Part of a larger health issue of trauma, in a field dealing with wide-ranging causes of trauma, this paper focuses on female survivors of human trafficking (FSHT) and a specific health intervention of horticultural therapy now being introduced into therapeutic services for this population. Horticultural therapy, a recognized modality within therapeutic and medical communities, uses plant and gardening activities delivered by trained therapists, in both formalized treatment processes and less formal interventions to address the multi-faceted complexities of this health and human crisis which includes sexual abuse, violence, physical harm and psychological trauma.

Keywords: human trafficking, trauma, female survivors, horticultural therapy