Document Type

Capstone

Abstract

Human trafficking is currently one of the largest global issues, affecting an estimated 35.8 million people using various forms sexual corruption and exploitation for financial gain, resulting in modem-day form of slavery (Gorman, & Hatkevich, 2016). Women who have sustained traumatic sexual abuse continue to fall victim to their traffickers even long after they have been rescued and rehabilitated. Sex trafficking victims are more likely to have lower levels of education, difficulty finding and maintaining a job, and trouble accessing their communities. Although a plethora of research exists on both past and present statistics of sex trafficking victims, there is little to no relevant or current information on the success rate of sex trafficking victims after participating in extensive rehabilitation programs. The lack of research in this area misinterprets the severity of the issue and prevents sex trafficking victims from living independently within their communities. The profession of occupational therapy has a strong background in mental health using a cognitive and rehabilitative approach to enhance a person's quality of life and independence through meaningful occupations. Occupational therapists can educate survivors on strategies to enhance life skills, social and leisure skills, and accessing their communities in a safe manner. Results from the pre and posttest questionnaires indicate that sex trafficking victims feel they lack the skills needed to create a resume, sit in for a job interview, or engage in social outings with their peers. Implementation of the program will provide resources to address these deficits to promote independence and community integration. Additional research is required to determine the role of occupational therapy within this emerging area of practice, and the effectiveness of rehabilitative programs after releasing sex-trafficking victims.

Publication Date

4-18-2022

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