Through the lens of complex trauma and posttraumatic growth, this workshop will share recent findings from a qualitative study of 15 domestic sex trafficking survivors that focused on the impact and experiences of domestic sex trafficking survivors (Padgett, 2017). Using ecological and trauma-informed lenses, this qualitative, retrospective study used participant-centered methods to explore identity, sexuality, relationships, and factors that facilitated/hindered community reintegration for 15 adult female survivors. Participants identified with all aspects of complex trauma, including dissociation, self-perception/identity, relations with others, and systems of meaning. Key themes included losing and regaining power, shame, and the dangers of re-exploitation and re-traumatization. Participants highlighted relationship development as the primary source of healing and growth, emphasizing the value of peer-based support and survivor leadership. The findings of this study affirm the need for ecological and relational perspectives in care of survivors, and approaches using a trauma-informed, victim-centered lens. Findings affirm the value of understanding the nuances of complex trauma as well as celebrating the capacity for posttraumatic growth. Finally, findings suggest comprehensive recommendations directly from the voices of survivors for community members and service providers. Through rich data from interviews and photovoice captioned images, workshop participants will hear and see direct evidence of the aspects of complex trauma as well as the capacity for posttraumatic growth (Tedeschi and Calhoun 2004, Tedeschi and Calhoun, 2006; Spinazzola et al, 2001; Choi et al., 2009). Finally, workshop participants will receive recommendations directly from the voices of survivors on what factors help or hinder community reintegration (Evans, 2022).
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Dr. Heather Evans is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a counseling practice in Pennsylvania, with over 20 years’ experience specializing in sexual trauma. Heather has authored two books from her research on complex trauma and posttraumatic growth in sex trafficking survivors. She is Co-Founder of Valley Against Sex Trafficking.