Date of Conferral

2-17-2026

Degree

Doctor of Human Services (D.H.S.)

School

Human Services

Advisor

Barbara Benoliel

Abstract

Human trafficking is a devastating form of exploitation that not only has detrimental impacts to its victims but also the human services practitioners charged with and committed to their service provision. The secondary impact for professionals is not to be underestimated, as repeated exposure to the traumatic experiences of their clients can potentially lead to physical as well as emotional symptoms such as vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Often, practitioners prioritize the needs of their clients with a relentless focus on advocacy and the overall well-being of those they serve. The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to explore human service practitioners’ perceptions and recommendations for what is needed to mitigate the risks of secondary trauma in light of working with trafficked individuals. The study was guided by Tedeschi and Calhoun’s posttraumatic growth theory framework. Seven Masters’ level professionals working directly with victims of human trafficking were recruited to participate in two focus group sessions. The narrative data from the focus group sessions and two additional individual interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Four themes emerged from the analysis: (a) systemic barriers and gaps in service provision; (b) structural empowerment and purpose; (c) the potential of collaborative practice(s), and (d) trauma-sensitive experiences. The findings from this study may lead to positive social change and add to the discourse on the social determinates of health, as it increases awareness of human trafficking, the impacts of working with trafficked victims on practitioners, and the need for resources to protect their well-being.

Download

Share

 
COinS