Challenges to Supporting Domestically Sex Trafficked Persons: In-Depth Interviews with Service Providers

Author: Recknor, Frances; Mason, Robin; Jacobson, Danielle; Kelly, C. Emma; Montemurro, Frances; Bruder, Rhonelle & Du Mont, Janice

Abstract: Domestic sex trafficking is an emergent area of study with problematic gaps in our understanding of the challenges that inhibit client recovery. As social service providers are often on the frontlines of care provision, in this study, we explored the challenges they experienced when serving domestically sex trafficked adolescents and adults. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 providers in Ontario, Canada’s largest province, and thematically analyzed. Our study found that providers faced systemic-, provider-, and client-related challenges, including insufficient funding, a dearth of (appropriate) shelter and/or housing, problems with healthcare and health professionals, entrenched biases within law enforcement, the weight of emotional work, fear for themselves and their clients, survivors’ misgivings about the systems established to assist them, and their unresolved concurrent mental health issues. By exploring intersections among various challenges facing service providers with the goal of improving services for domestically sex trafficked persons in Canada, we contribute to discourses informing research, policy, and practice considerations in various jurisdictions, working toward achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 16 (specifically targets 5.2, 16.1, and 16.2).

Keywords: barriers to care, Canada, domestic, Ontario, sex trafficking, service providers, social services