Structural and Interpersonal Oppressions Associated with Vulnerability to Human Trafficking Experienced by People with Disabilities

Author: Nichols, Andrea; Oberstaedt, Melissa & Slutsker, Sarah

Abstract: The aim of the current pilot study was to examine the intersection of human trafficking and disability from the perspectives of survivors and the professionals who work with them to contribute to the limited body of research in this area and inform further research, paying particular attention to structural and interpersonal oppressions associated with vulnerability. The present study draws from in-depth interviews with seven participants, including two survivors and five professionals who worked with human trafficking survivors with a disability. A multi-layered inductive data analysis process involved independent co-coding of the transcribed audio recorded interviews to identify key themes and subthemes. The results included multiple disability types (e.g., autism, deafness/hard of hearing, as well as physical, learning, mental health, and intellectual disabilities), and human trafficking types (e.g., labor, sex) and forms (e.g., trafficking by an intimate partner, family member, or other third party) that were intertwined with human trafficking experiences. Interpersonal (e.g., isolation, reduced social capital) and structural oppressions (e.g., healthcare, housing instability, workplace discrimination) experienced by people with disabilities created vulnerability to human trafficking. Implications include addressing structural and interpersonal vulnerabilities through training of professionals, prevention education for people with disabilities, and resources to address healthcare, housing, workplace, and economic barriers.

Keywords: disability, human trafficking, labor trafficking, prevention, sex trafficking, training