Mary Twis, Texas Christian University – Overcoming the Complexities of Trafficking Recovery

On Texas Christian University Week:  Sex trafficking survivors face a long and complex recovery.

Mary Twis, master of social work program director and associate professor, determines what brings about best outcomes.

Mary Twis is an associate professor in the Department of Social Work at TCU, where she researches human trafficking prevention and intervention strategies. She has specific subject matter expertise in sex trafficking, having published over 30 refereed articles and presented at over 25 international and national conferences on the topic. Twis is a licensed social worker with 15 years of experience as a researcher, educator and collaborator with nonprofits and public sector agencies involved in anti-trafficking efforts.

Overcoming the Complexities of Trafficking Recovery

The media’s attention to sex trafficking often comes in waves, spurred by high-profile cases and shocking revelations. These stories capture the public’s interest momentarily, but the spotlight quickly fades, leaving the complex reality of victim recovery largely ignored.

My research, alongside colleague insights, delves into the nuanced challenges faced by sex trafficking survivors. In our study, “Defiance and Strength,” a colleague and I interviewed seven women who had successfully survived trafficking and now work as advocates, helping others exit trafficking. Their experiences reveal crucial insights into the barriers to permanent exit and the strategies that can facilitate recovery.

Sex trafficking disproportionately affects young, female, and minority group victims who often endure multiple forms of trauma. These survivors frequently miss out on critical life milestones, such as education and stable employment, which are essential for rebuilding their lives. Our study highlights that leaving a trafficker is not a straightforward process. Survivors often return multiple times before achieving a lasting exit due to a lack of resources, such as money, housing and social support.

Effective recovery programs, as emphasized by the survivors in our study, must be trauma-informed, long-term and comprehensive. These programs should offer integrated services, including case management, counseling, medical assistance and crisis intervention, all accessible in a single location to avoid overwhelming survivors with bureaucratic hurdles.

Additionally, specialized support is needed for overlooked subpopulations, including incarcerated survivors, immigrants and tribal members. Long-term programs, ranging from 18 months to three years, are essential to provide the stability and resources necessary for survivors to rebuild their lives and prevent re-victimization.

Read More:
[National Library of Medicine] – Defiance and Strength: A Qualitative Study of Sex Trafficking Survivor-Advocate Coping Strategies
[The Crime Report] – Sex Trafficking: Don’t Neglect the Victims