Rights-Based Clinical Practice with Survivors of Human Trafficking

Abstract

Adopting a human rights-based approach can enhance the therapeutic quality of clinical social work with survivors of human trafficking and provide an opportunity for countering some of the deleterious effects of their trafficking experiences. Chapter 3 focuses on explicating the important role that rights-based social workers play in working with survivors of domestic and international human trafficking. The problem of human trafficking is defined and contextual issues and common sequelae described. Trafficked persons are identified as rights holders and relevant human rights mechanisms and tools are noted. Core principles for the clinical and forensic assessment and treatment of survivors of trafficking are illustrated consonant with a rights-based approach. Examples of macro efforts to address trafficking are introduced and the role of clinical social workers in effectively spanning micro and macro practice with this population is described. Suggested class activities and resources are provided at the end of the chapter.