04/23/2026
The journey of conducting research on trauma bonding within human trafficking contexts was challenging.
I reached out to a diverse group of organizations, including:
➡️ 108 human trafficking organizations
➡️ 7 Christian-focused organizations
➡️ 1 Catholic diocese
➡️ 2 Catholic churches
➡️ 5 women’s shelters
➡️ 4 politicians
➡️ 1 well-known personality in the adult entertainment industry
➡️ 5 homeland security organizations
➡️ 2 correctional facilities
Unfortunately, many organizations did not respond, and some declined participation due to various reasons, including
❌ the lack of financial compensation for participants
❌ stringent participant requirements
❌ concerns about their clientele's ability to focus and engage in the study
In October 2024, one human trafficking organization expressed interest, leading to several discussions about participant requirements. The Control Group was set to be located at a women’s correctional facility, while the Experimental Group was to be recruited through the human trafficking organization. After passing background checks, I provided informational materials to both organizations. Although there was initial interest, only three participants from the human trafficking organization were ultimately recruited, as plans for the correctional facility participants fell through.
The original 12-session treatment program was scheduled to start in November 2024 but faced multiple delays, leading to a modification into a 7-session program beginning February 27, 2025. However, just two days prior, the program was canceled due to transportation issues for participants.
Despite this setback, two participants expressed a desire to continue. I adapted the study to an individual treatment program, conducting sessions at secure, confidential locations.
This experience underscores the complexities of research in sensitive areas and a researcher's resilience required to adapt to unforeseen challenges; and proved the human trafficking organizations wrong as to their reasons for declining participation.
Want to learn more?https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8081/
