Young trafficking survivors in Peru are enhancing their socio-emotional skills to facilitate better coexistence and social reintegration
The National Comprehensive Program for Family Welfare (INABIF), with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), provided training to adolescent girls in shelters on stress management, crisis resolution, and interpersonal conflict management.
20 September 2023
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Lima - Adolescent survivors of trafficking in persons took part in practical workshops focusing on crisis management, interpersonal conflict resolution, and stress management. These workshops aimed to help them develop social skills that would facilitate their reintegration into society.
"For sustainable reintegration, it's vital to offer comprehensive and ongoing mental health support to these women. We must also assist them in identifying their sources of motivation and their capabilities, so they can harness their strengths," explained Ana Sierra, a psychologist and consultant from the ILO who led the workshop at the Specialized Shelter for Victims of Trafficking (CARE) named "Miski Illariy," which operates under the National Comprehensive Program for Family Welfare (INABIF).
During these workshops, adolescents engaged in activities where they could express their expectations, frustrations, and concerns. "I'm 16 years old but have been in a shelter since I was 8. My family is in the jungle, but they never reach out to me. When I turn 18, I'm not sure where I'll go. That's why I hope they can help me find a family," shared Lorena*
The impact of the trauma experienced by victims of trafficking on their mental health is severe, potentially leading to problems with emotional regulation, negative self-perception, aggressiveness, and depression. Left unaddressed, these symptoms can result in addiction, self-harm, and even suicide attempts.
The workshops also included participation from psychologists, educators, social workers, nurses, nutritionists, and support staff from "Miski Illariy" CARE. They learned specialized psychological techniques and tools, including active listening and de-escalation, to effectively manage potential crises involving the adolescents.
"It's crucial to teach these young people to ease their minds, apply conflict resolution strategies, express and understand their emotions. This helps them learn self-regulation and problem-solving," Ana Sierra emphasized when talking to the CARE professionals.
For Thais Calderón, a psychologist at "Miski Illariy," providing support during the emotional crises of the adolescents has been an ongoing learning process. "Initially, it was challenging to realize that we couldn't talk to them about their future because their emotional states could change rapidly. We had to become better listeners and address their anxieties because if we wanted them to apply what they learned, we needed to help them achieve emotional stability first".
Currently, more than 1500 professionals have enhanced their capabilities to assist survivors of trafficking in CARE shelters, with a focus on specialized areas such as the trauma-informed approach, victim-centered care, soft skills, and crisis management.
* The name has been changed to protect the identity of the adolescent.
"For sustainable reintegration, it's vital to offer comprehensive and ongoing mental health support to these women. We must also assist them in identifying their sources of motivation and their capabilities, so they can harness their strengths," explained Ana Sierra, a psychologist and consultant from the ILO who led the workshop at the Specialized Shelter for Victims of Trafficking (CARE) named "Miski Illariy," which operates under the National Comprehensive Program for Family Welfare (INABIF).
During these workshops, adolescents engaged in activities where they could express their expectations, frustrations, and concerns. "I'm 16 years old but have been in a shelter since I was 8. My family is in the jungle, but they never reach out to me. When I turn 18, I'm not sure where I'll go. That's why I hope they can help me find a family," shared Lorena*
The impact of the trauma experienced by victims of trafficking on their mental health is severe, potentially leading to problems with emotional regulation, negative self-perception, aggressiveness, and depression. Left unaddressed, these symptoms can result in addiction, self-harm, and even suicide attempts.
The workshops also included participation from psychologists, educators, social workers, nurses, nutritionists, and support staff from "Miski Illariy" CARE. They learned specialized psychological techniques and tools, including active listening and de-escalation, to effectively manage potential crises involving the adolescents.
"It's crucial to teach these young people to ease their minds, apply conflict resolution strategies, express and understand their emotions. This helps them learn self-regulation and problem-solving," Ana Sierra emphasized when talking to the CARE professionals.
For Thais Calderón, a psychologist at "Miski Illariy," providing support during the emotional crises of the adolescents has been an ongoing learning process. "Initially, it was challenging to realize that we couldn't talk to them about their future because their emotional states could change rapidly. We had to become better listeners and address their anxieties because if we wanted them to apply what they learned, we needed to help them achieve emotional stability first".
Currently, more than 1500 professionals have enhanced their capabilities to assist survivors of trafficking in CARE shelters, with a focus on specialized areas such as the trauma-informed approach, victim-centered care, soft skills, and crisis management.
* The name has been changed to protect the identity of the adolescent.