4 Understanding the Psychological Impact of Trafficking Upon Victims’ Ability to Provide an Account of Their Experiences The serious psychological impact of trafficking on victims has to be understood if they are to be assisted with the difficulties they face in disclosing their trafficking history. This is crucial for informed identification of victims, and therefore for their protection and care. Establishing a relationship of trust over time is of primary importance for the safety and well-being of people who have been trafficked. HBF clinicians take time to consider an account rather than dismissing anything that is said in the early stages of contact because it seems flawed. Those who work closely with victims over multiple sessions often find that the whole account becomes more coherent as a relationship of trust is established and the client feels able to speak more fully about their experiences. Over time, apparently inaccurate or inconsistent aspects of an account may be resolved and clarified. Inaccurate or false information provided by a victim of trafficking about the identity of a trafficker, their whereabouts or how they behaved in a certain situation is by no means an indication that the entire trafficking background is fabricated. In some cases, victims feel they must protect themselves from incrimination for actions that they may have taken in the course of being trafficked. Sometimes clinicians find that there is a “story behind the story”, whereby previously undisclosed information about a person’s history or circumstances means that they are actually at greater risk than it first appeared. 4.1 The Enduring Threats of Traffickers Many victims fear reprisals by traffickers and trafficking networks against themselves or family members long after they have escaped from their trafficking situation. As a result, they may be reluctant to provide details which identify or locate the trafficker and this can make their account appear vague, evasive or misleading.42 Threats made against victims and their families by traffickers often continue for the victim in reality or in effect for many years after their escape from the trafficking experi- “the clinical picture suggest[s] a false allegation of torture”. 66 ence. Whether threats are idle or real, they are of great significance to the victim and this is frequently the reason why they feel unable to come forward for assistance. Even in cases where victims do come forward, they may feel too intimidated by threats to provide a full or completely accurate account of their trafficking history. Clinical notes on Eastern European women trafficked for sexual exploitation “I felt unable to leave the brothel because I was told they would hurt my family and make my cousin do it too if I escaped. Then I found out that they had cornered my cousin and threatened her about me.” “Another girl at the brothel, Ylena, had a baby in Slovenia. The traffickers used to threaten to harm her baby in order to keep her working in prostitution.” Threats from traffickers which are acted upon operate as a warning to other victims who may try to disobey or escape. Often the trafficker has an intricate knowledge of the victim’s family profile and so understands how to target them effectively. In HBF’s experience, victims of trafficking express fear for family members as a major concern when they provide an account of their history or give evidence against traffickers. Some traffickers use the threat of ostracism by victims’ families or communities to prevent them from escaping or telling anyone about their experiences. In many cultures sexual activity outside marriage is considered to be taboo or even a crime, and rape is considered to be the responsibility of the victim rather than the perpetrator. In all countries there is stigma about prostitution, and the fact that a person has suffered sexual exploitation may be considered irrelevant or simply not understood. Homosexuality is also taboo in many countries and homosexuals are persecuted. People who have sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS in various regions of the world may be ostracized and isolated from their communities or be at risk of collective violence. The threat of ostracism/outcasting is a particularly effective