Moving Towards Self-actualization: A Trauma-Informed and Needs-Focused Approach to the Mental Health Needs of Survivors of Commercial Child Sexual Exploitation

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that children who are subject to commercial child sexual exploitation (CCSE) are likely to experience complex mental health needs. Failure to address the trauma experienced by victims of CCSE can lead to suicide attempts, self-harm, and long-term mental health needs (Powell, Asbill, Louis, & Stoklosa, 2018). A ‘trauma-informed’ approach (TIA) creates a responsive environment that improves the motivation of victims of CCSE to seek treatment and service providers to address unmet needs. Merging Maslow’s (1943) hierarchy of needs with a TIA approach provides a comprehensive framework to assess the service requirements necessary to meet CCSE survivors’ needs. Particularly, when Maslow’s hierarchy of needs model is coupled with contemporary extensions, which address our greater understanding of the neurological impact of abuse on physiological well-being greater resilience can be created. Additionally, a TIA instigates a shift from victims of CCSE being viewed as damaged, to an understanding of the impact abusive experiences have had on their development. That approach permits them and others to perceive their “survivorhood” and develop their capacity to achieve self-actualization. This paper critically examines what is constituted as best practice in trauma-informed mental health service delivery to not only meet needs but to support CCSE survivors’ attainment of self-actualization.

The relationship between underage initiation of selling sex and depression among female sex workers in Eswatini

“…Given the limited availability of psychiatric services and high prevalence of HIV in Eswatini, a nurse counselor-delivered brief psychological intervention that was piloted with people living with HIV, tuberculosis, and depression in Eswatini could be implemented with FSW and adolescents ( 51 ). Trauma-informed approaches to mental health treatment are needed for women who started selling sex as minors ( 52 ), while being mindful of the fact that they may still be selling sex or may not consider themselves victims of trafficking or child sexual exploitation. Preventing underage initiation of selling sex and providing alternatives to minors already selling sex to exit the sex trade through programs such as cash transfers and social protection ( 53 ) could reduce a broad range of harms, including depression.…”

Younger age of initiation of selling sex and depressive symptoms among female sex workers in Eswatini

“…Given the limited availability of psychiatric services and high prevalence of HIV in Eswatini, a nurse counsellor-delivered brief psychological intervention that was piloted with people living with HIV, tuberculosis, and depression in Eswatini could be implemented with FSW and adolescents. 51 Trauma-informed approaches to mental health treatment are needed for women who started selling sex as minors, 52 while being mindful of the fact that they may still be selling sex or may not consider themselves victims of trafficking or child sexual exploitation. Preventing underage initiation of selling sex and providing alternatives to minors already selling sex to exit the sex trade through programs such as cash transfers and social protection 53 could reduce a broad range of harms, including depression.…”

Global Commercial and Sexual Exploitation of Children

“…However, that is irrelevant when determining TIP for children and youth under 18 years (UN Trafficking in Persons Protocol, 2000). The vulnerability and lack of power or influence of children and youth make TIP a particularly tragic circumstance for this population (Laser-Maira, Peach, & Hounmenou, 2019). The rest of this article will focus on the 28% of trafficking victims who are children and youth (UNODC, 2016).…”