Physical and psychological injuries

 

In the case of trafficking, widespread violations of the Human Rights take place and produce extremely serious consequences for the victim. Social and relief workers in crisis centres should therefore be aware of the severe and individual health issues which human trafficking can cause.

 

Women who have been trafficked often suffer from critical physical and psychological problems and in some cases even from starvation. Physical injuries include e.g. broken bones, concussions, bruises, burns, and other injuries caused by physical abuse. Some of these severe injuries can cause on-going health issues and need long-term treatment.

 

Women who have been trafficked have often, during a long period of time, suffered a number of physical assaults. Consequently, the women may suffer from the same health issues that the long-term victims of torture suffer from.

 

Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse is a violent and traumatic experience which often affects the victim physically and emotionally. All types of sexual activities between two or more people where at least one of the partners is involved against his or her wishes qualify as sexual abuse.

 

The sexual activities involved in a sexual assault may include various cruelties such as unwanted groping, humiliations, forced intercourse, anal sex, oral sex or penetration with an object.

 

Often, the victims are prostituted by ringleaders, who force the women to take part in sexual activities by threats, bribery, and cruel manipulation, or by taking advantage of them while they are drunk or drugged. The sexual assaults cause the women to experience a wide range of physical and psychological reactions including severe stress and depression.

 

It may take many years for the victims of human trafficking to heal their wounds, if, that is, they ever succeed in moving on in life.