Survivor Accounts of the Use and Impacts of Oath-Taking Within Human Trafficking in the UK

Bibliographic Data

ID17826322
AuthorsRuth Wilson (0000-0002-5096-3054, University of Hertfordshire), Francesca Brady (0009-0007-6931-4824, Helen Bamber Foundation, corresponding author), Ella Weldon (0009-0002-5473-0714, Helen Bamber Foundation), Jacqueline Gratton (0000-0001-5356-0579, Freedom from Torture)
Year2026
Pages1-14
Publication date2026-04-19
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Human Trafficking (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2332-2705 • E-ISSN: 2332-2713
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/23322705.2026.2660600
OpenAlexW7154903003
LanguageEN
References cited28

Oath-taking ceremonies are common spiritual practices in some African regions. Oath-taking can be exploited as a means of psychological control within human trafficking. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 West African women living in the UK who had experienced oath-taking when being trafficked to the UK. Thematic analysis generated four themes: Exploiting Fear of the Oath, Shifting of Power, Loss, and Living Alongside the Oath’s Impact. Survivors described factors influencing the oath’s ongoing impact on their lives. Findings highlight the need for greater recognition and targeted training regarding oath-taking within trafficking, plus recommendations for holistic, culturally sensitive clinical care.

Government (linguistics) · Human trafficking · Perspective (graphical) · Poison control · Legal Issues in South Africa · Poverty, Education, and Child Welfare · Sex work and related issues