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.

• 1 What is “lived experience” in human trafficking? 2 Theoretical framework and methodology 3 Why would a survivor share their personal story? 4 Possible social arenas 5 Mass media, communication, and technology 6 Best (and worst) practices of featuring lived experience 7 Lived experience and life trajectory 8 Survivor leaders and advocates 9 Choosing not to share 10 Bringing it altogether through general psychology and interdisciplinary perspective