Perspectives of Survivors of Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation on Their Relationships with Shelter Staff: Findings from a Longitudinal Study in Cambodia. (31st October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cordisco Tsai, Laura; Lim, Vanntheary; Nhanh, Channtha
• Is Part Of: British journal of social work. Volume 50:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 176
• Page End: 194
• Publication Date: 2019-10-31
• Subjects: Cambodia -- human trafficking -- longitudinal research -- sexual exploitation -- shelter; Social service -- Periodicals; Social workers -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcz128
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-3102

Abstract

Abstract: Shelter-based services are a core component of the current service delivery system for survivors of human trafficking and child sexual exploitation in Southeast Asia. Limited research exists regarding trafficking-specific shelter-based services in Asia. This article explores the perspectives of survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation on their relationships with shelter staff in Cambodia. In this study, we draw upon data from Chab Dai's Butterfly longitudinal research (BLR) study, a ten-year longitudinal study detailing the lives and trajectories of survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Cambodia. For this article, we analysed 236 in-depth interviews and narrative summaries of BLR interviews conducted between 2011 and 2016 ( n = 79). We utilised an interpretive phenomenological approach to data analysis. Analysis revealed the following themes regarding survivor–staff relationships in the context of shelter-based services: the importance of emotional safety, experiencing harsh treatment from staff, stigmatisation, not being believed and violations of client confidentiality and lack of trust. Findings reinforce the importance of listening to survivors about their experiences in post-trafficking assistance services and the need for further capacity building to ensure that all services are provided in a manner consistent with social work ethics.