Far too few social workers, sexual assault advocates, health care professionals and law enforcement personnel are trained in trauma informed care when it comes to sex trafficking. An example of trauma-informed mental health care would be to ask clients what has happened to them rather than ask what’s wrong with them. Indeed, despite extensive medical literature affirming the role that trauma plays in health outcomes, doctors have been slow to incorporate use of the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience) measure to determine the impact of trauma on their patients.

Vednita Carter, founder of Breaking Free, a Minneapolis based non-profit organization that helps women escape prostitution, suggests changing the wording of the medical and social service intake processes. “Rather than directly asking if clients have been prostituted or involved with sex trafficking, they should be asked if they’ve ever had to exchange sex for things, food or a place to stay,” she said.

“Social workers and others serving this population have to have a deep understanding of the impact of sex trafficking on the human spirit,” said Sarah Edstrom a certified sexual assault advocate at the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC). Organizations also need to be equipped to deal with the needs of trafficking survivors.

Since the release of the federal strategic action plan on services for victims of sex trafficking and the funding focus of Department of Justice on services for trafficking survivors, many programs have emerged seeking to help sex trafficking survivors. Advocates who have long-term experience working with trafficking survivors, however, express concern that many of the new programs and organizations may not be prepared to deal with the needs of their clients. “We get calls everyday from these new organizations asking for help in dealing with survivors. I don’t think many of them know what they’re letting themselves in for,” said Carter “Many of the faith based organizations have a heart to help but they have trouble dealing with the women’s attitudes and drug addiction problems. Sobriety takes a long time.”