From the Voices of Domestic Sex Trafficking Survivors: Experiences of Complex Trauma and Posttraumatic Growth
Heather Evans, DSW, LCSW | September 21 | 9:45-10:45 am
Topic: Research, Art | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Through the lens of complex trauma and posttraumatic growth, this workshop will share findings from a qualitative study focused on the impact and experiences of sex trafficking survivors (Padgett, 2017). Through rich data from interviews and photovoice captioned images, workshop participants will hear and see direct evidence of the aspects of complex trauma as well as the capacity for posttraumatic growth (Tedeschi & Calhoun 2004, 2006; Spinazzola et al, 2001; Choi et al., 2009). Participants will listen to the voices and impact of sex trafficking through photography taken by survivors and practice having our listening inform our response. Finally, workshop participants will receive recommendations directly from the voices of survivors on what factors help or hinder community reintegration and posttraumatic growth (Evans, 2022). Key findings that will be explored include avoiding re-traumatization and re-exploitation and the integral role of relationship in the reintegration process for survivors.
Presentation Objectives:
· Explain complex trauma and posttraumatic growth and how they is observed in victims of domestic sex trafficking
· Provide recommendations for post-trafficking community reintegration that come directly from survivors of sex trafficking