Trust gained, trust lost: a qualitative analysis of human trafficking survivors' experiences

Background: Research has consistently highlighted the relationship between interpersonal trauma and reduced trust in others. Human trafficking (HT) survivors often report a generalised mistrust in others, leading to poor interpersonal functioning and underutilisation of support services. Despite this, there is limited research investigating trust-related experiences of HT survivors.Objective: This study aimed to explore how trust has been shaped and evolved by the experiences of trafficking survivors prior to, during and since the trafficking.Method: Individual semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 10 survivors of HT on a single occasion. A thematic analysis and an analysis of participants' narratives were undertaken.Results: A rich array of themes were identified, pertaining to attachment and trauma in the development of trust, socioeconomic context in influencing trust in the trafficker, the impact of trafficker control and coercion in survivor's sense of trust in themselves and others, and institutions and support services modelling and helping to rebuild trust.Conclusions: This study provides a rich and nuanced account of how trust is shaped and influenced by survivors' experiences. The findings provide direction for refinement of post-trafficking support for survivors, as well as avenues for future research.