Health and Wellbeing
Health outcomes among trafficking survivors
4th May 2017
Whilst an emerging body of research documents the adverse physical and mental health outcomes of victims of trafficking following rescue, there is little research or guidance regarding interventions which improve these outcomes. In this article, Renewsiya’s director, Dr. Mindy, describes her experience as physician involved in a computer-based social enterprise for survivors of trafficking and slavery in the Philippines, and outlines her evolving understanding of the requirements for health behavior change and improved outcomes. She concludes that, while meaningful vocational skills, economic security, and adequate health-related knowledge are foundational, it is necessary to develop core skills to achieve improved health outcomes and that a supportive workplace is an ideal setting for this to occur.