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.
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- 1.
The names and other identifying information in all case material in this chapter have been changed to protect confidentiality, and aspects of each case are a composite from more than one person.
- 2.
A contract slave typically signs an employment contract for a guaranteed job in a distant location, only to find themselves coerced (sometimes with violence) into working without pay. In some cases, the contracts are used to claim legitimacy and hide the fact that slavery is occurring (Bales, 2007).
- 3.
The Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children (known as the Palermo Protocol) was one of three protocols adopted by the United Nations in 2000 (and entered into force on 25 December 2003). These protocols supplemented the 2000 Palermo Convention (Convention against Transnational Organized Crime).
- 4.
The United States ratified this optional protocol in 2001. It is only one of three states, however, that have not ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) at the time of this writing (along with Somalia and South Sudan; see https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IV-11&chapter=4&lang=en).
- 5.
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) refers to the destruction of one’s own body tissues without the intent of killing oneself (Klonsky & Muehlenkamp, 2007). The behavior is intentional and is not socially sanctioned.
- 6.
- 7.
Similar to many of those who self-injure, Chun Hei did not have suicidal thoughts or intent at the times she engaged in injuring herself (Nock, 2010). She did have suicidal thoughts and a history of multiple suicide attempts, however, these were separate from her self-injurious episodes. Addressing Chun Hei’s self-injurious behavior was a top priority, since NSSI may inadvertently result in suicide (such as when the person cuts deeper than he or she intended) and is associated with a greater risk for developing a suicide plan compared to those who do not self-injure (Whitlock & Knox, 2007).
- 8.
Victims of human trafficking may be eligible for T Nonimmigrant Status (T visa). A T visa allows a survivor of trafficking to remain in the United States to assist authorities in an investigation or prosecution of the traffickers and provides a route toward permanent residency in the United States. More information can be obtained from the USCIS website at:
- 9.
Victims of trafficking in the United States may also be eligible for other forms of relief such as Continued Presence (USICE, 2010), allowing them to remain temporarily in the United States during an ongoing investigation into the trafficking. Victims of qualifying crimes who cooperate with law enforcement may be eligible for a U visa (USICE, 2014).
- 10.
It is important to know that those under the age of 18 are not required to cooperate with the authorities, including in order to obtain a T visa (Victims of Trafficking and Violence Prevention Act 2000, Pub L. No. 106–386 § 107(c)(1), 114 Stat. 1464 (2000)). It is also possible for adults to seek a waiver of the requirement of cooperating with law enforcement in order to obtain a T visa if they have documented significant psychological or physical impairment that makes the survivor unable to cooperate (VAWA, 2005, Section 801(a)(3)).
- 11.
Of the five protected grounds (political opinion, religion, race, nationality, or membership in a social group), political opinion or social group membership are typically the most relevant for victims of trafficking (Knight, 2007).
- 12.
Training includes strategies to identify those who present as fearful, show signs of abuse, or appear to be under the control of others (USDOS, 2013a).
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Berthold, S. (2015). Rights-Based Clinical Practice with Survivors of Human Trafficking. In: Human Rights-Based Approaches to Clinical Social Work. SpringerBriefs in Rights-Based Approaches to Social Work. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08560-9_3
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