Abstract
Family reunification is a complex part of a survivor’s journey; its processes long, arduous, and unassured. This article seeks to examine the intricacies of human trafficking and family separation in migration, and intergenerational trauma following family reunification. The authors apply theoretical frameworks and concepts established by literature on migration and trauma, and provide a case study to explain the implications of family separation that occurs during and after the survivor’s human trafficking experience. Written from the perspective of social service providers, this article also provides a look at life after trafficking and how the individual’s worldview is altered by the trauma endured, resulting in possible intergenerational transmission of trauma from parent to child. The article explains the family’s process of moving from crisis back to balance, and the need for adjustment and adaptation, flexibility and cohesion in finding resilience. Finally, the authors discuss family resiliency frameworks as empowering models for serving survivors of human trafficking and their families during the reunification process. With the appropriate support, families can move forward in their journey towards healing.
Highlights
In the aftermath of human trafficking, family reunification is a long and complex road that has received little attention in the anti-trafficking field
The authors apply theoretical frameworks and concepts established by literature on migration and trauma, and provide a case study to explain the implications of family separation that occurs during and after the survivor’s human trafficking experience
Written from the perspective of social service providers, this article provides a look at life after trafficking and how the individual’s worldview is altered by the trauma endured, resulting in possible intergenerational transmission of trauma from parent to child
Summary
In the aftermath of human trafficking, family reunification is a long and complex road that has received little attention in the anti-trafficking field. She goes on to state that after leaving the trafficking situation, survivors are expected to place their trust in strangers, such as those who could possibly help them—i.e. law enforcement, social workers, prosecutors, etc This expectation can be confusing for survivors, and it can be difficult to gauge who can and should be trusted based on who is able and willing to assist them.[14] Louis described his anxiety and lack of trust as factors for missing appointments, which further delayed his T-Visa application, and as a result, reunification with his family. His hopes of a happy family reunification were met with sadness as he struggled to bond with his children, who resented him for moving them to a foreign country where they were required to learn a new language, lifestyle, and customs When asked how he was feeling about his family being in the US, Louis responded to his social worker, ‘It is so difficult for me to believe how I was so manipulated [by my traffickers]. I am so ashamed to look at my wife and children in the eyes, because I lost everything we worked so hard for.’
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