Human trafficking and exploitation: guidance for health workers

Support for staff

Supporting someone who is experiencing, or has experienced, trafficking can be stressful. At times it can be distressing to hear accounts of trauma and abuse, and staff are sometimes worried that they may be overwhelmed by it. It is also common to feel frustrated or helpless if you cannot 'solve' the problem or if you find it difficult to accept that a trafficked person is not ready or able to leave an abusive situation. It is important to recognise how you feel and seek support or guidance from a supervisor or colleague.