Long-term Impacts #
Survivors can experience long-term results of trauma. Since healing is a journey that is not one-directional but rather has ups and downs, past experiences of trauma can cause ongoing internal discomfort. Survivors cope in different ways – some may disconnect from physical and emotional sensations or ignore gut feelings, while others may freeze, fight, or form attachments to their traffickers as survival strategies. Some experience feeling consistently unsafe, even within their own bodies. Trauma can also lead to fragmented memories – emotions, sounds, images, and sensations – that resurface and feel like the trauma is happening again. This sense of fear and danger can leave survivors feeling overwhelmed, on high alert, and disconnected, focusing their energy on trauma responses rather than daily life (Elizabeth Fry Toronto, 2019, p. 28-29). Networks of Care must approach their journey with survivors with compassion and care.
The following video gives an introduction to how trauma and chronic stress affect the nervous system, influencing overall health and well-being.
(The Trauma Foundation, 2021)
According to the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center (n.d.) some practices to try to better cope with trauma responses include:
Immediate emotional support: De-escalating emotions and creating a sense of safety by receiving calm and supportive help in the moment from one’s Network of Care
Grounding techniques: Engaging the senses and focusing on a specific smell, sound, or texture
Self-soothing and relaxation: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or using comforting objects can reduce stress and help relaxation
Take a look at our Self-Care section for examples and resources on different grounding and self-soothing exercises.
