Richelle Long Final Dissertation Defense

The College of Education, Health and

Human Sciences

Announces the Final Examination of

Richelle Long

for the degree of

Doctor of Philosophy

April 18, 2014 at 9:00 am

207 Ball Hall, University of Memphis

Memphis, TN

 

Biographical Sketch

B.A., Psychology, University of California, San Diego

M.S., Psychology, Drexel University

Advisory Committee

Dr. Suzanne Lease, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Research, Committee chair

Dr. Elin Ovrebo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Research

Dr. Ronnie Priest, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Research

Dr. Mary Burke, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Carlow University Department of Psychology & Counseling

Dr. Becca Johnson, Ph.D., Agape International Mission

Major Field of Study

Counseling Psychology

Period of Preparation: 2010-2014

Comprehensive Examination Passed: August 2012

The State of Aftercare: A Critical Look at the Response to Victims of Human Sex Trafficking in the United States

Abstract

 

This study explores the services available to survivors of sex trafficking in the United States. Thirty organizations completed an online survey addressing the needs of the survivors who accessed their services, and how they addressed survivors’ psychological, sexual, substance abuse, legal, educational and vocational, spiritual, and physical needs. The findings provide descriptions of the complex needs of trafficking survivors when they seek help, and the types and forms of services available to address those needs. Results showed how few programs are providing direct services and highlighted the challenge for survivors to get their needs met if they are in an area without any services that are sensitive to their unique needs. The study describes service provision for each need category and makes recommendations for outcome research and development of trafficking sensitive interventions for each area of need. While the participating programs reported many successes and strengths, programs commented on the necessity for more funding and well-trained professionals in various disciplines to provide services to their clients. The field of aftercare services for victims of human sex trafficking in the United States is relatively new, but growing, making this an ideal time to research and strengthen intervention. Findings from the current study can inform future research to move toward more effective models of care and encourage professionals across disciplines to become educated in survivors’ complex needs.

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