Back to: Human Trafficking For Peer Supporters

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The National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center (n.d.) (NHTTAC) states that peer support means people share common or similar experiences to give and receive help.1 They share that there are several principles of peer support – voluntary, nonjudgmental, empathetic, respectful, honest and direct communication, mutual responsibility, shared power, reciprocal. As a seasoned peer professional, you can help others using peer support groups. If you want to offer peer support group options, NHTTAC (n.d.) suggests several factors to consider (slide 4):

  • Provide options – offer a variety of peer support group options to create a sense of inclusion and safety.
  • Promote accessibility and inclusivity – offer groups at different times and locations, including an online option, etc.
  • Prioritize safety and comfort – participants need to know about group culture, norms, practices, and policies so they can choose the best option for themselves.

It is helpful to know the areas of needs of victims of human trafficking so you, as a peer recovery professional, can help guide your client into much needed care. Here is a peer-reviewed, open-access article which delineates the type of help needed. Please download and read this PDF: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12913-016-1538-8

In conclusion, here is a short video about the myths of human trafficking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxMY9ed4VD0

  1. NHTTAC. (n.d.). Peer support groups for individuals who have experienced human trafficking and
    substance use disorder exploratory brief. https://nhttac.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/Peer%20Support%20Groups%
    20Exploratory%20Brief%20508c.pdf ↩︎
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