The current study investigates NET as a treatment for PTSD in trafficking survivors using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design. Although this indicated potential utility, the case study design limited the generalisability of the results, and it was not clear whether survivors of other types of trafficking might benefit from this intervention. Reference Robjant, Roberts and Katona13 Treatment resulted in significant reductions in PTSD severity and general distress, which were maintained at 3 month follow-up.
#Lifeline mailist series#
A case series with ten female trafficking survivors with a history of sexual exploitation (who received 10–19 NET sessions) found preliminary evidence for its acceptability and effectiveness. Reference Stenmark, Catani, Neuner, Elbert and Holen11, Reference Siehl, Robjant and Crombach12 NET is therefore a good candidate for treating PTSD in survivors of human trafficking. Reference Schauer, Robjant, Elbert, Neuner, Ford and Courtois10 NET has been widely used in lower- and higher-income countries and with a range of different client groups, including asylum seekers and refugees. 7– Reference Schauer, Schauer, Neuner and Elbert9 Through detailed narration, NET processes and contextualises traumatic memories and helps individuals to establish a coherent autobiographical narrative of their experiences. Narrative exposure therapy (NET) is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD relating to multiple or prolonged traumatic events. Reference Hemmings, Jakobowitz, Abas, Bick, Howard and Stanley5, Reference Salami, Gordon, Coverdale and Nguyen6 Efficacy and real-world effectiveness studies are needed to develop and validate evidence-based therapies for this extremely vulnerable group. In spite of calls for trafficking survivors to be provided with comprehensive and culturally appropriate healthcare, and despite recent advances in the literature around the risk and protective factors for the development of psychopathology in this population, there is a dearth of research into effective treatments. Reference Brady, Katona, Walsh, Robjant and Bhugra4 These include destitution, homelessness and legal stressors, as well as feelings of fear, shame and mistrust of others, which can prevent help-seeking. In addition to the high prevalence of mental health problems, many trafficking survivors face significant barriers to accessing evidence-based treatments. Reference Ottisova, Hemmings, Howard, Zimmerman and Oram3 Reference Ottisova, Hemmings, Howard, Zimmerman and Oram3 Systematic reviews have demonstrated a high prevalence of physical and psychological health problems in survivors of trafficking, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Reference Zimmerman and Kiss2 Trafficked individuals typically experience multiple or repeated traumatic events, including physical violence, sexual abuse, and threats to them and their loved ones. Many survivors of trafficking endure prolonged periods of exposure to hazardous conditions, abuse and violence, captivity and restriction of movement, as well as restricted access to adequate nutrition or healthcare. 1 Individuals are exploited for a range of purposes including forced labour, illegal drug cultivation, domestic work and forced sex work. Although its scale is hard to quantify, as of 2016, an estimated 24.9 million people were trafficked into different types of exploitation globally.
Human trafficking, the recruitment of people within or across national borders for the purposes of exploitation, is a grave human rights violation and a major public health concern.
0 kommentar(er)
