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Working With HT Survivors: Domestic Violence

Overview

Domestic violence (“DV”) is a crime that may overlap with human trafficking. If human trafficking is labeled as domestic violence, those working with survivors may overlook or mislabel trafficking. 

Both sex trafficking and labor trafficking can intersect with domestic violence. 

A trafficking survivor may have been living with their trafficker who used violence, manipulation or control. DV may be a risk or "push" factor - almost 70% of trafficked adult women experience domestic violence before being trafficked.  

Best Practices

  • Recognize the signs of human trafficking in DV cases.

    • Intimidation, emotional abuse, isolation, economic abuse, and coercion and threats are some methods of power and control that are used in both DV and HT.

    • In both human trafficking and domestic violence, force is not required and abuse can be physical or non-physical. 

  • Address needs related to HT and DV.

    • Consider whether a multi-disciplinary team or cross-sector partnership is appropriate to best address the needs of your survivor client.

  • If you are not able to find a place at a human trafficking shelter for your client, consider a domestic violence shelter.

    • Domestic violence shelters are better able to meet human trafficking survivors’ needs, but will need additional resources to do so.

Resources