Recognising CPTSD in Survivors of Human Sex Trafficking

Human s*x trafficking survivors often endure prolonged and repeated trauma, leaving them vulnerable to developing Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). As January marks Human S*x Trafficking Awareness Month, it’s vital to shed light on this intersection, highlighting the unique challenges survivors face and how we can support their healing journey.  

Trauma-Coerced Bonding and CPTSD

Human trafficking survivors often experience “trauma-coerced bonding” or complex trauma, characterised by manipulation, control, and prolonged exposure to abuse. Unlike general PTSD, CPTSD in trafficking survivors frequently involves:  

• Emotional Entrapment: A sense of loyalty or emotional connection to the trafficker, often stemming from dependence or fear.  
• Severe Emotional Dysregulation: Traffickers’ use of coercion and violence may disrupt survivors’ ability to process emotions healthily.  
• Persistent Interpersonal Challenges: Survivors often struggle with trust, intimacy, and rebuilding relationships after exploitation.  

The Neurobiological Impact of Prolonged Trauma

Research highlights how repeated trauma impacts brain function, particularly areas governing emotion, memory, and stress responses. Survivors of trafficking frequently report:  

1. Hypervigilance: Constant fear and heightened sensitivity to perceived threats.  
2. Memory Fragmentation: Difficulty recalling events or memories, often compounded by dissociative episodes.  
3. Altered Stress Regulation: Chronic stress response dysregulation, leading to physical and psychological health challenges.  

Barriers to Recovery

CPTSD recovery in trafficking survivors is often complex, hindered by:  

• Stigma: Misconceptions about trafficking survivors can lead to societal or self-imposed shame.  
• Lack of Resources: Many survivors face barriers in accessing trauma-informed care.  
• Co-occurring Issues: Substance use, depression, and physical health problems often overlap with CPTSD symptoms.  

Trauma-Informed Support for Survivors

Healing for survivors requires a compassionate, survivor-centred approach:  

• Specialised Therapy: Techniques like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) or EMDR can help survivors process trauma.  
• Building Safe Relationships: Encouraging supportive networks to counteract isolation.  
• Empowering Survivors: Recognising survivors’ resilience and agency throughout their recovery journey.  

How You Can Help

As part of Human S*x Trafficking Awareness Month, take action to support survivors:  

• Learn and Share: Educate yourself and others about trafficking and its psychological impact. You can do this by encouraging friends to subscribe to our newsletter! 
• Support Resources: Donate to or volunteer with organisations that offer trauma-informed care, such as Pink Cross. 
• Advocate for Change: Push for systemic improvements in mental health and anti-trafficking policies.  

At Pink Cross, we honour the strength of trafficking survivors and reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness and providing support. Together, let’s make recovery and dignity possible for every survivor!

1. Chambers et al., 2022 – ‘Trauma-Coerced Attachment and Complex PTSD: Informed Care for Survivors of Human Trafficking’ (https://www.dignityhealth.org/content/dam/dignity-health/sacramento/pdfs/medical-safe-haven/Trauma-Coerced-PTSD-1.pdf) 
2. Evans et al., 2022 – ‘Prevalence of complex post-traumatic stress disorder in survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery: a systematic review’ (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0213616322000076)  
3. Hossain et al., 2010 – ‘The Relationship of Trauma to Mental Disorders Among Trafficked and S*xually Exploited Girls and Women’ (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2978168/)