Survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence often experience profound physical and psychological trauma, increasing their risk of developing mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation and behavior, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite the anti-trafficking sector recognizing the need to address survivors’ mental health, most mental and psychological support services are inaccessible and expensive.
In 2022, Eleison received a research grant from Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) to fund a pilot evaluation of the Healing and Resilience after Trauma (HaRT) in partnership with the University of Alabama. This study addresses the gap in evidence-based reintegration support programs for survivors by delivering and evaluating a trauma-informed, survivor-centered mind-body intervention in a community-based setting. HaRT is a 12-week group mental health program for survivors that combines mindfulness, breathing exercises, yoga poses, and supportive group discussions exploring three core themes: safety in the body, radical self-love, and healthy relationships.
HaRT provides survivors with a free, accessible, and community-based alternative form of mental health support. In HaRT, survivors gain a holistic understanding of their mental health and well-being by learning how to care for their bodies, manage their stress, regulate their emotions, and cultivate resilience. Additionally, survivors connect with others and share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment to reduce their isolation and promote their sense of belonging.
Eleison gathered data from survivors who completed the HaRT program over 14 months to document their experiences and perceptions. We used a convergent mixed-method design to assess the program’s impact, with survivors interviewed at three points: baseline, end-of-program, and two-month follow-up. These surveys explored participants’ symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as general physical and emotional well-being, resilience, and overall perceptions of the HaRT program. Additionally, we conducted in-depth interviews regarding perceived acceptability, feasibility, and self-identified changes in mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
In June 2023, we completed study data collection with no attrition, gaining valuable insights into the program’s impact. Our initial findings show promising trends related to survivors’ mental health and well-being, with research participants reporting feelings of physical relaxation, social acceptance, and emotional support, as well as reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression over time. As a next step in the research process, the Eleison team will collaborate with the University of Alabama in conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis from the study.
Through this pioneering study, we hope contribute to strengthening accessible, culturally-appropriate, community-based reintegration support programming for survivors in low-resource settings. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and support survivors in their recovery. If you wish to support our HaRT program, we invite you to donate here or here.
