GVSU Occupational Therapy
Needs Assessment of Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking
Assets and Needs: Where does occupational therapy fit?
Assets:
Community
There is a large support community within those who are/have been labor and sex trafficked. People who have had similar experiences understand what the other individuals are going through more than anyone else, and can provide some level of social support in a horrible circumstance.
Governmental support
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Michigan Department of Attorney General
https://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-359-82917_81399_81409---,00.html
- Laws (Department of Attorney General. (n.d.))
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The Michigan law banning human trafficking took effect on August 24, 2006
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Traffickers are punishable by 10 years to life imprisonment and $10,000 to $50,000 in fines and penalties may be increased if trafficking involves kidnapping, criminal sexual conduct, forced labor or a commercial sex act of a minor, an attempt to kill, or death
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Enhanced restitution may be available to victims of human trafficking, including:
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Lost income
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The cost of transportation, temporary housing, and child care expenses incurred by the victim because of the offense
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Attorney fees and other costs and expenses incurred by the victim
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Loss suffered by the victim as a result of the offense
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Medical assistance for human trafficking victims- Allows trafficking victims to be eligible for Medicaid to receive medical assistance benefits to treat injuries and conditions
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There are many bills being worked on in the Michigan and Federal government to strengthen laws against traffickers and hold traffickers accountable for their actions
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Needs:
Survivors of human trafficking need emergency services, social services, and legal services. At first, when they are rescued or they escape their traffickers, they need basic life necessities like food, shelter, clothes, etc. They also need crisis intervention, counseling services, and safety planning to keep them from getting caught by their traffickers again. After the immediate crisis has passed, social services and legal services can step in to help the survivors reintegrate into society. This would involve the role of occupational therapy.
Victims and survivors need:
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Medical attention: Statistics show that 98% of sex trafficking victims and 81% of labor trafficking victims will require medical services as a result of the physical and sexual trauma experienced.
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Mental health services: High rates of anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation, insomnia, and substance abuse
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An opportunity to share their story, express their feelings, and process through what their experiences have been
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Support from government, healthcare, legal, and social services agencies
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Routine and meaning to re-engage in life after trafficking
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Job and skills training to earn a living, and money management skills
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Engagement in activities that are purposeful and meaningful
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Establishing, maintaining, and reinstating meaningful relationships
(Gorman & Hatkevich, 2016)
(National Human Trafficking Hotline)
Role of Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) can have a major role in the reintegration of human trafficking survivors into society. Some of the needs they have that can be addressed by OT are mental health services, advocacy of rights and needed supports, assistance in establishing skills and a routine, and engagement in meaningful and purposeful activities. Occupational therapists can help individuals find their purpose after labor or sex trafficking, while helping them with coping strategies to process what they have been through. Occupational therapists can also use sensory modulation techniques to address trauma and help reduce anxiety and improve sleep hygiene. Life skills training can also be an important role that OT would have in assisting individuals with skills related to "self-care, parenting, household management, budgeting, decision making, employment, education, assertiveness training, and social and leisure activities" (Gorman & Hatkevich, 2016). OTs can also help fight against trafficking by providing education about trafficking to at-risk populations. Occupational therapists also have a responsibility as healthcare professionals to know the warning signs of human trafficking and know how to act Gorman & Hatkevich, 2016).
The Michigan OT license requirements include a competency on human trafficking:
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"Administrative Rule R 338.1215: Proof of completion of training to identify victims of human trafficking. This is a one-time training that is separate from continuing education (CE). Licensees renewing in 2018 must complete training by renewal in 2020; renewals for 2019 by 2021, and renewals for 2020 by 2022. Beginning October 19, 2022, completion of the training is a requirement for initial licensure." (L.A.R.A, 2019)
