Survivors of human trafficking experience trauma that causes profound, sometimes lifelong effects. The abuse experienced during a trafficking episode can result in physical injuries, emotional and psychological problems, and challenges with executive functioning skills (Gorman & Hatkevich, 2020). Current policies and resources focus on trafficking prevention and rescue, but there are few programs that address the survivors’ recovery needs after exiting the trafficking episode. This results in a gap in care that leaves survivors with few options as they try to regain their independence and engage in meaningful occupations. Occupational therapists are ideally suited to addressing this gap. This author developed a comprehensive, evidence-based program that demonstrates the vital role occupational therapy (OT) can play in post-trafficking recovery and rehabilitation. Pathways Nepal is a six-week OT program developed for the women living in the SASANE residential home in Pokhara. The program is grounded in well-established models of care and incorporates occupation-based activities, trauma-informed care, and the use of social support – approaches that have been shown to be effective in facilitating positive change for the post-trafficking demographic (Amadasun, 2022; Cerney et al., 2019; Edwards et al., 2023; Johnson, 2018; Hardy, 2013; Hopper et al., 2018; Rafferty, 2017). Findings from the initial iteration of Pathways Nepal will be used to facilitate the program expansion throughout Nepal and eventually, to other post-trafficking residential facilities globally. In doing so, Pathways Nepal serves to help define the role of OT in post- trafficking care, while also helping to establish the role of OT on the global healthcare stage.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bu.edu/oai:open.bu.edu:2144/46627 |
| Date | 25 August 2023 |
| Creators | Davis, Hayley |
| Contributors | Telesmanic, Lauren |
| Source Sets | Boston University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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