Pregnancy and Parenting with Trauma: Insights for Survivors of Exploitation and Their Allies
M. Elizabeth Bowman, PhD, LICSW, LCSW-C | September 20 | 11:15 am-12:15 pm
Topic: Experience, Direct Service | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Pregnancy and parenting are both challenging times that come with ups and downs of hormones, medical needs, child developmental concerns, attachment, and so many other considerations. For survivors of sex trafficking, pregnancy and parenting can come with the added layer of trauma, economic hardships, support deficits, and social stigma (Brunovskis & Surtees, 2015; Peled & Parker, 2013). Pregnancy is often a catalyst for leaving the life or finding means of escaping exploitation, but social support is necessary for success in finding a life outside of sex work (Cecchet & Thoburn, 2014; Torri, 2020). In this presentation, the presenter will discuss challenges faced by survivors of sex trafficking who are parents and/or pregnant, resiliency factors of survivors, and how to best support them as service providers.
Presentation Objectives:
· Describe lived experience of pregnancy and parenting as well as interactions with healthcare and support providers
· Describe ways for providers to effectively engage with survivors who are pregnant or parenting children from an empowerment perspective
· Explain research related to pregnancy and parenting for those who have experienced trauma including effective intervention approaches