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Description / Abstract
This dissertation is an exploration of the lives of survivors of sex trafficking who were rescued and reintegrated with their families and communities in Rajamahendravaram, India. The study examined the holistic needs and challenges of these survivors after their rescue, using Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory to provide a multi-layered lens for understanding the needs of survivors and the church’s role in meeting those needs. While many studies have examined the root causes of sex trafficking, research on reintegration of survivors is relatively sparse and there is a dearth of analysis regarding the church’s role. The researcher used a homogeneous sampling strategy for Phase I to select eight female survivors who were trafficked and rescued as children. Their ages ranged between 18 and 20 years old. The study utilized photovoice methodology, analyzing photographs taken by the participants and applying both open coding and axial coding to focus group discussions. Phase I of this study revealed the unifying themes that represent deeply felt needs and attained benefits of survivors. In the ecological systems theory, each level depicts the need and challenges of survivors. Ultimately, these assets become the benefits for the survivors. On the individual level, survivors went through physiological and psychological needs. These assets result in benefits for survivors where they experience physical and psychological wellness. On the relational level, it is highly focused on the need for connections and identity in the families, friends and companions, as well as continued favor from God/god. These assets result in a deep sense of belonging where survivors experience acceptance in their families, gain friends and companions to walk with them, and develop a sense of belief in God/god/spiritual wellness. On the community level, survivors need community connection, resources for education, employment, and advocacy. Moreover, they need brokers who could connect them with needed resources for them to thrive in the community. These assets result in a sense of belonging in community where survivors feel accepted and receive needed resources in the community. On the societal level, justice should be ensured for survivors regardless of caste, color, gender, and economic background. Survivors should not be treated as criminals, rather they should be treated with utmost dignity in the society. Moreover, there is a need for raising awareness to eradicate the issue of stigma toward survivors in the society. These assets result in transforming the attitude of the public toward survivors in the society. Moreover, government should be prepared to address the challenges of trafficked survivors by offering necessary support system include helping survivors to obtain justice. For Phase II, the researcher employed a homogeneous sampling strategy to select seven pastors in Rajamahendravaram, India. This phase began with the researcher facilitating an educational forum presenting the findings of Phase I to raise awareness of the needs and challenges of survivors of sex trafficking. Then the researcher collected data from the Phase II participants using focus group discussions. The data analysis again relied on open and axial coding. Church has a crucial role to play in addressing the challenges and facilitating healing for survivors of sex trafficking. Providing material resources is a critical component for survivors to concentrate on other aspects of their lives. Churches may not be well equipped to provide material assistance for survivors due to the size of congregation and shortage of resources. Nevertheless, churches and pastors need to be aware of government and NGO resources to support survivors and ensure their wellbeing. At times, this may include advocacy with local government and NGOs resources. Moreover, churches should create connection to survivors through facilitating a deeper connection to family, God, church, and community. Churches should create positivity and sense of belonging through incorporating survivors in church service and providing them with needed assistance. In addition to this, churches should create a robust relationship with families of survivors to address the challenges and facilitate healing for survivors of sex trafficking. In connection to spiritual needs, pastors should lead them to have a deeper connection to God by offering healing sermons, prayers, forgiveness, and emphasizing the need for accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In addition to this, churches can be the means of grace for survivors by offering assurance and protection from the community. Clergies/pastors should raise awareness in changing stigma that is embedded in both churches and community. Pastors work to ensure acceptance in churches using the teachings of Jesus, especially breaking the barriers and ministering to survivors with love and compassion. To do this effectively, church leaders need additional training and the support of leadership teams who have the same calling, vision, and ministry philosophy.
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KeywordsChild sex trafficking, Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, Church work with children at risk
Degree AwardedPhD in Holistic Child Development
Awarding InstitutionAsia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary
Committee MembersNativity Petallar, Dick Eugenio, Larry Bollinger, Rosalind Lim-Tan, Peggy Oldham, Romerlito Macalinao
Supervisor or ChairBrenita Nicholas-Edwards
Peer Reviewed?No