The mental health of trafficked persons

This chapter addresses mental health problems prevailing in trafficked persons (TPs), particular stressors which may elicit these, and how treatment may help. The Equator approach entails weekly group meetings offering psycho-education and stabilising exercises to TPs staying in the shelter, and a behavioural screening of participants in close co-operation with on the spot counsellors. Trafficked men and women are frequently exposed to severe psychological trauma, characterised by physical and sexual violence and threats while trafficked. In the first days to weeks after having experienced traumatic events, people may exhibit mental health problems that can be consistent with an acute stress disorder (ASD). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by one or more terrifying events; and symptoms may include intrusive, repetitive, and upsetting memories or uncontrollable thoughts of the ordeal, flashbacks (intrusive reliving of traumatic events), nightmares and severe anxiety, blunting of emotions or increased arousal, negative thoughts and feelings and, sometimes, severe personality changes.

Mental health · Psychiatry · Psychology · Sex work and related issues