Citation

Hopper EK. Women Ther. 2017; 40(1-2): 12-30.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02703149.2016.1205905

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article describes a framework for trauma-informed assessment of trafficking survivors that acknowledges the impact of traumatic stress while highlighting survivors' strengths and supporting their resiliency. It identifies core content areas of a trafficking evaluation and underscores adaptations to the standard process of conducting an assessment. Feedback normalizes symptoms and offers hope, and an experiential element builds survivors' coping skills and regulatory capacity. A trauma-informed assessment can be the first step in the healing process for many people who have survived trafficking, orienting them towards a path for change and empowering them to face future challenges.

Keywords

trauma; PTSD; Assessment; women; empowerment; girls; human trafficking; resiliency; trauma-informed