Human Trafficking and Lived Experience

Laura Dryjanska is a global psychologist from Poland. A fellow of the American Psychological Association, she obtained her PhD in social psychology in 2012 from the Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.

“Human Trafficking and Lived Experience is a timely and essential contribution to the field. Drawing on original qualitative interviews and her own research, Dr. Dryjanska bridges survivor narratives and scholarly analysis with cultural humility and ethical sensitivity. The result is a thought provoking and nuanced volume that elevates survivor voices while providing invaluable insights for clinicians, educators, graduate students, and advocates. This is an indispensable resource for those committed to human rights, trauma-informed practice, and global social justice.”Nancy M. Sidun, PsyD, ABPP, director at large, International Council of Psychologists, and fellow of the American Psychological Association“Recognizing the complexity of sharing a personal story of exploitation in human trafficking, Dryjanska paints a picture that includes stories of diverse persons from across the globe. Not settling for easy answers, she highlights the impact of trauma, setting, goals, one’s background, personality, and culture, as well as the limitations of memory when survivors decide if, when, and how to narrate their experiences.”Lenore E. Walker, PhD, professor emeritus, Nova Southeastern University, director of the Domestic Violence Institute, Inc.

• AcknowledgmentsPreface: A space to be grateful 1 What is “lived experience” in human trafficking? The notion of “lived experience”Definitions of human trafficking Theoretical frameworks of human traffickingPsychological coercionSubstance abuseHuman trafficking and traumaIntersectionalityReferences2 Theoretical framework and methodologyDialogical approach to theory of social representationsHuman trafficking through the lenses of social representations theoryMethodology“Lived experience” research resultsReferences 3 Why would a survivor share their personal story? “Tell me what happened”Victims as suspects Simplified narrativesThe value of personal narratives when treating PTSD Using a story as a means to an end Non-government organizations and survivors’ “lived experience”Religious organizations and survivors “lived experience”References4 Possible social arenasOne-to-one settings FamilyClose friendsTherapy sessionsIndividual therapyGroup therapyEmpowerment through mentorshipDialog vs. monologueSmall groupsLarge audiencesEducational settings Artistic settingsFormal settingsChurches and faith-based communities Conferences and scholarly events Concluding thoughts on storytelling contextsReferences 5 Mass media, communication, and technologyDirect verbal in-person communicationSelf-led narrative Interview with a journalist Live vs. recorded communicationAudio contentVideo contentTelevision and newsDocumentaries on human traffickingFiction (inspiration for a book or movie)Survivors as authorsReferences List of documentaries on human trafficking 6 Best (and worst) practices of featuring lived experience Ethical principles surrounding personal narrative’s disclosureBeneficence and nonmaleficenceFidelity and responsibilityIntegrityJusticeRespect for people’s rights and dignitySafety considerationsSensationalizingAwareness of memory limitationsFinancial aspectsRisk management planLegal ramificationsReferences7 Lived experience and life trajectoryTime period since the last traumatic experienceExperiencing human trafficking as a child vs. adult Familial trafficking vs. exploitation by non-relativesCurrent family members and plans related to family reunification or starting a familyHaving children before being trafficked and/or having a child during the trafficking experience Personal goals and hopes of the survivorAge of the survivor Considerations in relation to self-concept, sex, gender, race and ethnicity, immigration status, disability, religion, and other factorsChecklist approach References 8 Survivor leaders and advocates Thriving in non-profit world Thriving in educationThriving in the public sectorThriving in other settingsReferences9 Choosing not to share Self-concealment and personal factorsSelf-concealment and societal factorsSelf-concealment and cultural factorsReferences 10 Bringing it altogether through general psychology and interdisciplinary perspectiveGeneral psychology perspectiveInterdisciplinary collaborationFinal considerationsReferencesWebsites featuring stories of human trafficking survivorsIndex