“Why Always Us?”: Trafficking Survivors and Mental Health Issues Amidst COVID-19
Rita Dhungel, PhD, MSW | September 23 | 1:45-2:45 pm
Topic: Research, International | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Trafficking survivors experience a wide range of systemic challenges including micro-aggressive behaviors, unemployment, stigmatization, a prolonged judicial system, and lack of reintegration policies in their post trafficking (Adhikari 2011; Dhungel, 2017; Sharma, 2014). COVID-19 escalated the pre-existing social injustice in the lives of trafficking survivors for sexual exploitation in Nepal. Using a qualitative research paradigm, 4 focus groups were virtually conducted. Fourteen people participated in the study. The research question was: How does COVID 19 impact socio-economic and mental health of trafficking survivors in Nepal? The data was transcribed and was thematically analyzed. This study found that COVID-19 escalated the vulnerability of trafficking survivors to socio-economic marginalization and mental health challenges. Anti-social behaviors, exclusion, anxiousness, sadness, loneliness, and depression have significantly impacted the mental health and psychological wellbeing of survivors. No mental health services are available for trafficking survivors in general and amidst COVID-19 in particular. Providing services to trafficking survivors never became a priority for the Government of Nepal during COVID-19. The implications of the study for policy, programs, and research are significant. Providing funding to community-based organizations working with trafficking survivors for mental health services is critical. Using an equity lens, programs need to be designed and implemented in a way that the programs meet the needs and aspirations of each survivor. It is also recommended to develop public and mental health policies and programs in order to effectively meet the needs of the survivors.
Presentation Objectives:
· Examine how COVID-19 escalated trafficking survivors' isolation and loneliness
· Discuss the intersectional gender oppression experienced by trafficking survivors amidst COVID-19
· Explore the resiliencies of trafficking survivors during COVID-19