Helping a survivor of trafficking or torture

LEEDS ASYLUM SEEKERS SUPPORT NETWORK

AUGUST 2015

Outcomes

Know where to find more information on both trafficking and torture

Understand more about how to spot someone who may be a survivor of trafficking or torture

Understand what you can do in the moment

Understand the next steps

A short film about modern slavery

https://youtu.be/Jv1H_fAoOG4

Modern Slavery Helpline is 0800 0121 700

Human Trafficking

is

Movement or Recruitment by

Deception or Coercion for

The purpose of Exploitation

Find out more using the Salvation Army online awareness toolkit.

Modern Slavery

is :

when people are forced to work or exploited under fear of punishment, violence or death eg

Bonded labour

Forced labour

Descent-based slavery

Child slavery

Early & forced marriage

http://modernslavery.co.uk/

Torture

(United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1984)

“any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person as a [way of] obtaining… information or a confession, punishing him… intimidating or coercing him… when such pain or suffering is inflicted by…a person acting in an official capacity.”

Amnesty – schools information pack

Redress – Torture Survivor’s Handbook

Trafficking, torture and LASSN

Most people LASSN works with are unlikely to be actively experiencing modern slavery or torture.

In your work with LASSN, most people who disclose experiences of this kind will be disclosing traumatic events in the (recent) past.

What’s a helpful response?

What might be worth avoiding?

What’s helpful

People often start to open up when the bottom rows of needs are met

Disclosure means you’re doing something right

Being present and attentive, and demonstrate belief

Acknowledge what they’ve said it

Be careful what you offer – don’t make big promises

Don’t take away someone’s choices

Allow people to go at their own pace

Things to guard against

Sometimes people may attempt to relate to you in ways that they did their captors – attempting to please you/reward you

Don’t put too much pressure on people to say more than they want to

Be aware of the impact on you – seek support with how you feel

Don’t put too much pressure on to people to “move on”

Remember:Although it may be upsetting, this usually a means a disclosure is usually not an emergency.

It is important to discuss this disclosure with a LASSN staff member.

If you think someone is in immediate danger contact the Police.

Evidence for the psychological effects of trafficking

There is no specific research into the psychological effects of trafficking

The psychological models used are often drawn from other places

◦ Stockholm Syndrome

◦ The effects of Torture and Trauma

◦ Survivors of Domestic Abuse

De-stressing strategiesImmersive activities are good at helping people to relax

For example

Gardening/allotments

“Difficult” colouring-in

Breathing exercises

De-stressing using audio materials on

◦ Stress

◦ Anxiety Relaxation

When someone discloses (taken from stopthetraffick.org)

“They may have complex issues around psychological, emotional and physical health and well-being.”

Complicating factors (taken from

stopthetraffick.org)

“The person might not identify themselves as victims as they may see their situation as ‘normal‘”

“The person might rather remain where they are than return home”

“The person may feel that they are in some way responsible for what has happened to them”

“The person may have a complex relationship of dependency on or trust in their trafficker/exploiter.”

Complicating factors – with the perpetrators

“Relationships with traffickers/exploiters can be complex: there can be

misplaced trust;

a belief that they are in love;

fear of what their trafficker/exploiter may do to them or people they wish to protect, such as family.”

Complicating factors – with you

“Someone may be fearful and suspicious of you for many reasons such as:

◦ revealing their status if they are unsure of their right to remain in country;

◦ sharing their experience out of shame or fear of reprisal;

◦ fear because of their involvement in criminal activity (even though forced or coerced);

◦ mistrust of authority figures;

◦ mistrust of anyone.”

Complicating factors – what to ask

The person may be suffering from trauma or shock.

Consider what information you need.

For some victims sharing details is a re-traumatising experience and one which could be damaging psychologically.

To avoid stressful retelling of the story it is important to maintain the same point of contact – i.e. deal with the same person.

What are the options for someone who has been trafficked or tortured?

Local services – for survivors of torture◦ Refugee Council – Therapeutic casework [link]◦ Solace/Freedom from Torture – Psychotherapy [link]

Local Services for people who have been trafficked◦ Salvation Army [link] – Information and referral to National

Referral mechanism◦ Women’s Counselling and Therapy Services [link] – Leeds

based therapeutic services◦ Support after Rape and Sexual Violence Leeds [link] –

counselling and support

The National Referral Mechanism

When someone discloses they may have been trafficked they are referred into the National Referral Mechanism – where their situation is investigated.

Chart from http://stopthetraffick.org/

National Referral MechanismA visual guide to the NRM - http://stopthetraffick.org

What can LASSN do to support you?Make sure you speak to a member of LASSN staff who will help you raise an alert.

If you have concerns about someone’s immediate safety, then it’s important an alert is raised. Call the Police.

What else should LASSN be thinking about?