Exploring Restorative Factors for Trafficked and Sexually Exploited Women

Exploring Restorative Factors for Trafficked and Sexually Exploited Women By Carol Chikodiri Chilaka MAPTH, Seton Hall University, NJ. 2003 B.Ed. Abia State University, 1994 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Walden University 2018 Abstract Many women who survived sex trafficking continue to suffer from severe and persistent psychological distress even after the traditional treatment and rehabilitation program. The lingering psychological symptoms that these survivors suffer make reintegration into their families and communities difficult. This phenomenological study identified the restorative factors that helped some women who were earlier engaged in sex trafficking to recover, readjust, and reintegrate into their families and communities. Six female survivors of human trafficking and six program directors/counselors at different rehabilitation centers were individually interviewed in in-depth with semi-structured questionnaires and audio recorded. I kept diary of my readings and observation of the participants during the interviews to maintain the rigor and established trustworthiness of the study. With NVivo 11 plus Software, the information were coded to identify the different patterns. The Manen’s hermeneutic descriptive phenomenological interpretative approach was employed to sort out the emerging themes. The findings were grouped under the perspectives of survivors and program directors/counselors. Both survivors and program directors/counselors agreed that factors such as supports from family/friends, medical treatments, counseling, and individual characteristics promoted recovery. The theories of social support, self-efficacy, and resilience guided the understanding of the recovery process of the survivors. For positive social change, this study provides information that families, communities, and society can become more aware of the ways to improve survivors’ support systems and build a sustainable community that cares and supports survivors for a successful integration into families and communities.Many women who survived sex trafficking continue to suffer from severe and persistent psychological distress even after the traditional treatment and rehabilitation program. The lingering psychological symptoms that these survivors suffer make reintegration into their families and communities difficult. This phenomenological study identified the restorative factors that helped some women who were earlier engaged in sex trafficking to recover, readjust, and reintegrate into their families and communities. Six female survivors of human trafficking and six program directors/counselors at different rehabilitation centers were individually interviewed in in-depth with semi-structured questionnaires and audio recorded. I kept diary of my readings and observation of the participants during the interviews to maintain the rigor and established trustworthiness of the study. With NVivo 11 plus Software, the information were coded to identify the different patterns. The Manen’s hermeneutic descriptive phenomenological interpretative approach was employed to sort out the emerging themes. The findings were grouped under the perspectives of survivors and program directors/counselors. Both survivors and program directors/counselors agreed that factors such as supports from family/friends, medical treatments, counseling, and individual characteristics promoted recovery. The theories of social support, self-efficacy, and resilience guided the understanding of the recovery process of the survivors. For positive social change, this study provides information that families, communities, and society can become more aware of the ways to improve survivors’ support systems and build a sustainable community that cares and supports survivors for a successful integration into families and communities. Exploring Restorative Factors for Trafficked and Sexually Exploited Women By Carol Chikodiri Chilaka MAPTH, Seton Hall University, NJ. 2003 B.Ed. Abia State University, 1994 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Walden University 2018 Dedication To trafficked and sexually violated women. You are strong! But your violators are poor and weak. May they too be healed! Acknowledgments This work would not have been accomplished without a band of encouraging, generous, and loving supporters of few are here mentioned. I would like to thank my colleagues, friends and Dr. Charles Ofiabulu for their valuable comments and insights on an earliest draft of this paper. I am also grateful to Mr. Eric, Veronica, Bright Eke, and Joe, my computer technicians. Your skilled tech supports advanced my performance in this work. I am grateful to my cousin, Mrs. Antonia Ogugua and her family who billeted me at the first year of my arrival in California before I found stability. My cousin Dr. Mrs. Ogechi and her husband Dum Emenike always acted as buffer that protected me from colliding at the most difficult times. In them, I experienced the effect and the importance of family support. I will continue to remain grateful to them. To the adoring families and friend, Osy Ufondu families, Chinwe Nnodim, Dr. V. Okafor, F. Osuji, R. Amah, C. Ofiabulu, H. Egbuniwe, O. Okolue, E.Mmuomegha, F. Ezeh, G. Ugbogu, T. Onwukeme, W. Ndubizu, M. Omeaku, E.Ikebudu, the Igbo community prayer line, and the hosts of you, for your sacrifices and unstinting supports during this program, I am indebted. I would like to thank my family members, my brother Mr. R. O. Chilaka, my sisters, Mrs. Maria Njoku, Mrs. . Agatha Onuoha, Mrs. Maggie Okoro, my dear friend Sr. Amarachi Nduh and Sr. Vianney Mbaim. Your prayerful supports and encouragements were treasured. I continue to remain grateful to my late parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ignatius Chilaka and my brother, Cypo Chilaka. I always felt lifted up and rejuvenated by the felt presence of your spirit even from your “other side” of the physical plane. Yes, I am holding on to your instructions; to extend my helping hands to others. A special thanks to Dr. Jean Maria who from the time of our meeting in Hawaii continued in several ways to mentor and energize the cause of this work. This study is also dedicated to her. I would like to thank the staff at St. Francis mental hospital and Oasis rehabilitation center for directing my internship experiences and expanding my understanding in working with severely traumatized and struggling population. I deeply thank my survivor participants in this study for trusting in me and confidently shared their deep private stories and experiences with me to encourage the healing of other hurting survivors still experiencing lingering psychological symptoms. You are very daring and generous. Also, my heartfelt thanks to my director/counselor participants to this study, whose expertise and professional knowledge and insights made invaluable contributions to this work. My deepest and hearty thanks to my dissertation committee members, Dr. Medha Talpade, my Chair person, your dedication and professional kindheartedness brought this work to this successful reality. Dr. Lucile Esralew, your contributions, insights, and encouragements were appreciated beyond measure. Above all, I give praise, honor and thanks to the Supreme High and Eternal Loving Father for inscribing my name among academia.