The Chab Dai Butterfly Longitudinal research project (www.chabdai.org/butterfly) is a ten-year project (2010-2020) following 128 survivors of sex trafficking from 14 different faith-based organizations in Cambodia. It explored a range of topics including the impact of spirituality. The main research question was: “How has spirituality helped build resilience for survivors?” Ethical interviews were conducted twice a year with survivors in the shelters and then in their home area. Respondents didn’t express coercion in conducting research or faith activities. The results found benefits to restoration and in their relationships with others. Spirituality, both Christian and Buddhist, had positive implications for survivors. The presenter will conclude with discussing recommendations that holistic care must include spirituality and monitoring spiritual outputs should be part of good programming. Preventing unhelpful persuasion is part of avoiding spiritual abuse in child and vulnerable persons protection policies.
Glenn Miles is a child health nurse focused on child health, abuse and exploitation. Across three decades, Glenn has pioneered three INGOs in Cambodia and won the 2022 Influential Research Scholar award in Human Trafficking.