The Role and Impact of Peer Support in Aftercare for Survivors of Sex Trafficking Who Use Substances: Service Providersã¢â‚¬â„¢ Perspectives

Background and Purpose: Survivors of sex trafficking endure significant trauma, including psychological and physical abuse. This trauma is associated with substance use disorder (SUD), anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Aftercare is essential for survivors of sex trafficking to promote healing and well-being, yet little research exists on effective models and best practices for sustained support. Peer support has shown promise in populations with SUD; however, little scholarship exists on peer support and survivor leadership programming for survivors of human trafficking. This research study examined service providers’ perspectives on the role and impact of peer support in aftercare for survivors of sex trafficking who use substances.

Methods: We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 21 service providers from the southwestern United States. Recruitment was facilitated through stakeholder mapping, purposive sampling, and snowball sampling techniques. Each interview lasted approximately one hour, with audio recordings transcribed verbatim. The research team conducted member checking by sending transcripts to participants, allowing them to review, revise, or add information as needed. Participants received a $50 gift card upon completion. Data analysis followed a constant comparative approach, beginning immediately after the first interview and continuing beyond the final interview. Two research team members independently coded interview transcripts using Braun and Clarke’s six-stage thematic analysis process.

Results: Five themes were generated: (1) building trust, (2) empathy and shared experiences, (3) role in recovery and rehabilitation, (4) challenges and risks, and (5) best practices. Participants emphasized that those with lived experience could connect more effectively with others facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of trust and understanding. They noted the interconnectedness of empathy and trust, suggesting that these elements often develop in tandem. Peer support was seen as vital in recovery and rehabilitation for both sex trafficking and SUD, offering emotional and practical support and resulting in reduced isolation. The importance of assessing a survivor’s readiness to become a peer mentor was highlighted in an attempt to prevent retraumatization. Participants also emphasized safeguards, including training in evidence-informed practices, harm reduction and certification.

Conclusions and Implications: Overall, findings reveal the profound impact peer mentorship can have for survivors of sex trafficking, offering unique advantages that traditional support systems often struggle to provide. Strategies for supporting survivors in becoming peer mentors underscore the need for structured training and supervision to prevent the risk of re-traumatization. SAMHSA’s national model standards for peer support certification, which identifies 11 standards, may offer guidance for organizations seeking to implement peer support with survivors of sex trafficking. Policies should support the development and funding of peer mentorship programs, ensuring peer mentors are paid for their labor. Future research is needed to examine the long-term impacts of peer mentorship on survivor recovery and identify best practices for training and supporting peer mentors.