Description
Trafficking of people is an illegal activity that touches all nations and has long-lasting physical,
social, and psychological consequences for the survivor as well as all those involved. Traffickers
exploit both genders, all ethnicities, the aged and young, as well as the educated and
unschooled. No people group is left untouched by this crime. Currently, trafficking of people is
at epidemic proportions. It is estimated that approximately 27 million individuals worldwide are
enslaved. In fact, trafficking is one of the chief global crimes, producing billions of dollars
annually, and is expected to surpass, if it has not already done so, both drug and weapons
trafficking in revenue within the next few years. After all, a trafficker can sell an individual
multiple times but can only sell a drug or weapon once. This very fact makes trafficking people
attractive to organized crime rings. The mental health community has recognized the need for
information on trafficking, specifically treatment interventions. Therapists have adapted sexual
assault treatment plans to use with survivors of trafficking but quickly realized that the problem
was much more complex and are only recently beginning to understand the profound impact
trafficking has on its victims. The effects of trafficking on the victim are numerous and
profound. Exposure to chronic victimization increases the risk of physical and psychological
difficulties. In fact, routine abuse results in a wide range of expected symptoms from impaired
cognitive functioning to attachment disorders. The Christian community is leading the way in
creating awareness of the problem, advocating for the victims and their families, as well as
providing a distinctly Christian approach for mental health needs. More advanced training and
resources are needed to assist in these efforts. This workshop is designed to help to equip
those who Christ has called to care for those victimized by trafficking.
Presented by: Shannon Wolf, Ph.D.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
- Describe multiple factors that place individuals at risk for trafficking victimization
- Analyze various techniques traffickers use on their victims and how those techniques form bonds between the victim and trafficker
- Evaluate specific Christian Psychology techniques that assist in the healing process
