Dissertation/Thesis Abstract

A qualitative analysis of aftercare service provision for survivors of sex trafficking in North Carolina
by Young, Susan Elaine, Ph.D., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2012, 153; 3545562
Abstract (Summary)

The adverse effects of sex trafficking on victims are numerous. Therefore the provision of aftercare services (such as shelter/housing, medical care, mental health services, legal assistance, language services, job training) to survivors of sex trafficking requires a multifaceted and coordinated response. Human service providers may encounter victims of sex trafficking and should be made aware of the problem and develop means to collaborate and interact with the various programs and resources in their community that can potentially assist survivors in their recovery and reintegration into society.

Postmodern feminism was used as a guiding framework for this qualitative descriptive and exploratory inquiry, which involved in-depth interviews with 18 human service providers who interact with survivors of sex trafficking across North Carolina. The purpose of this study was to describe and explore aftercare services for sex trafficking survivors in North Carolina, including 1) what happens before a survivor is identified, 2) how human service providers interact with each other and with survivors, 3) what the impact of interaction is on both survivors and human service providers, and 4) what needs to happen to improve aftercare service provision to survivors.

The findings illuminate the need for education and training on sex trafficking, appropriate victim identification, and ongoing program funding. Collaborative efforts in North Carolina are described, as well as the gaps and challenges in aftercare service provision. Lastly, the impact of working with survivors is discussed, successful outcomes noted, and suggestions for enhancing and expanding aftercare service provision to sex trafficking survivors in North Carolina shared.

Indexing (document details)
Advisor: Kjervik, Diane
Commitee: Bickford, Donna, Esposito, Noreen, Fogel, Catherine, Sherwood, Gwen
School: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Department: Nursing
School Location: United States -- North Carolina
Source: DAI-B 74/04(E), Dissertation Abstracts International
Subjects: Social work, Nursing, Gender studies
Keywords: Aftercare services, Descriptive, Human service providers, Human trafficking, Sex trafficking
Publication Number: 3545562
ISBN: 978-1-267-78061-4