International Students and Human Trafficking

Community organizations seeking to enhance their understanding of how to improve supports services for international students impacted by human trafficking have the opportunity to gain further insight applying knowledge obtained from this research study. This study employed a quantitative approach surveying 30 community service workers to gather insights into areas requiring attention. The findings highlight the need to better support exploited international students while addressing the specific vulnerability factors that increase their risk of being trafficked. Key findings reveal the necessity for expanded services for students who have experienced sexual exploitation, tailored mental health support for survivors of trafficking, safe avenues for escape and protection from further harm and accessible language services to overcome communication barriers. Also there is need for further awareness and education in healthcare facilities and overall, with community service workers to identify international students that are victims of human trafficking. This research uniquely captures previously undocumented perspectives from community service providers offering critical insight into gaps in existing services and potential strategies for more effective intervention.