Phenomenological Study: Experiences of Human Trafficking Social Workers and Social Services Providers Across the Globe

Background and Purpose:

Human trafficking has risen as one of the foremost and horrendous global social problems that transcends boundaries, and strips humans of their rights. As a prominent topic for global and domestic social work, there is a continued need for empirical research, especially micro level research, over human trafficking.

Literature exists about trafficking survivors, yet little is known about the experiences of the professionals working with trafficking victims. Much can be learned about their experiences in case management and working with extreme traumatic stories on a constant basis.

This phenomenological study was conducted to better understand what social workers/service providers were experiencing and their realities of working with trafficking survivors, especially case management, in their country and/or region.

Methods:

Eighteen in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with trafficking social workers [27.78%] and professional service providers [72.22%] from a span of 11 countries (United States, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Cambodia, Uganda, and Thailand). Participants were gathered through snowball sampling and were predominantly female (83.33% female; 16.67% male). Where possible (some NGO’s did not allow recorded interviews), all interviews were transcribed verbatim, line-by-line analysis was conducted, and then statements were coded thematically. These themes then created a general description of the experience of working with human trafficking survivors, specifically in case management, and were categorized as textural and structural description. Every step done ensured dependability and trustworthiness of the data and followed phenomenological principles (including epoche).

Findings:

Data analysis indicates that participants felt overwhelmed and stressed in working in this arena (especially hours) and that they were only “scratching the surface” when working with the survivors. Many shared about the lack of resources; how their NGO was started to fill in gaps in services; and the need to work with other community resources, including governments.

Data revealed the importance of helping survivors develop human capital; fully address the issue of shame and family pressure; and focus on building trust and relationships with the survivors.

Participants also indicated that their NGO/organization is flexible in tailoring case management to specific culture differences. Participants indicated a great intrinsic motivation to meet the human trafficking needs in their community and that outreach was a key to finding victims. Findings also indicated the choice factor of the survivors in wanting help and services offered were very similar (i.e., medical and financial assistance, safe shelter, providing basic needs, etc.).

Several participants discussed the role poverty plays into trafficking; how to deal with the demand; and more prevention programs are needed, especially educating children.

Conclusion and Implications:

Findings highlight the pressure and stress social workers have when working with trafficking survivors and the continual need to learn more about human trafficking case management. It is imperative that more resources, better collaboration, and support systems are in place for ones who work in this secondary trauma filled arena and permission to constantly alter case management to various survivors’ needs. In addition, more preventive programs need to be developed to halt this horrific violation of human rights.