Mental Healthcare for Survivors of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking: A Single Point-in-Time, Internet-Based Scoping Study of Third Sector Provision

Lazzarino, Runa; Wright, Nicola; Jordan, Melanie

Abstract

In response to extreme violence and psychological abuse, survivors of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking can experience complex mental health problems. Despite being a major public health issue, the evidence base for post-slavery mental health support needs and service provision is lacking. The aim of this study was to scope the mental health provision available to survivors globally. A single point-in-time, Internet-based scoping study of on-line evidence sources was performed, guided by Levac and colleagues’ six-staged framework. Service providers meeting inclusion criteria were 325. Most were located in Asia and South America, catered for a female population, and could be categorized as Christian Faith Based. Two overarching themes (Characteristics of Provision and Types of Mental Health Support) accounted for the results, each including ten sub-themes. Survivors’ mental healthcare was found to be informed by various models and to exist within a nexus of care whereby several services are offered to different vulnerable populations. Little information of evidence-based interventions and monitoring and evaluation was found. The study’s results are limited in scope of influence due to the Internet-based design and should be taken cautiously. More empirical, multidisciplinary, and multi-stakeholder research is required to improve understanding of survivors’ support needs and to inform policies and practices that are culturally competent, survivor-centered, gender-inclusive and empowering.

Citation

Lazzarino, R., Wright, N., & Jordan, M. (2022). Mental Healthcare for Survivors of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking: A Single Point-in-Time, Internet-Based Scoping Study of Third Sector Provision. Journal of Human Trafficking, https://doi.org/10.1080/23322705.2021.2024043

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 27, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jan 31, 2022
• Publication Date: Jan 31, 2022
• Deposit Date: Jan 20, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 1, 2023
• Journal: Journal of Human Trafficking
• Print ISSN: 2332-2705
• Electronic ISSN: 2332-2713
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23322705.2021.2024043
• Keywords: human trafficking, modern slavery, global mental healthcare, NGOs, Internet-based scoping study
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/7281123
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23322705.2021.2024043