Case managers relying on virtual visits for sex trafficking survivors
ANTIOCH, Tenn. (Fox 17) – For those recovering from traumatic experiences -- like sex trafficking or abuse – staying at home for long periods is an added stressor.
Derri Smith, the founder of End Slavery Tennessee said the pandemic is a challenging time for anyone, but especially survivors.
“The survivors are already dealing with complex trauma beyond what most of us can imagine,” Smith said. “I think about how afraid and uncertain we all are. They have to add a layer to the trauma that they’ve already endured.”
Case managers are having to check on clients virtually, and that has some draw backs.
“This is definitely a challenging time for my clients,” Mental Health America of the MidSouth Case Manager Heather Smith said.
She normally meets in-person with clients to make sure they are living in a safe environment. It also helps build trust between her and a new client, especially to make sure she isn’t accidentally re-triggering any trauma, she said. But now, she and her team are relying on Zoom, Skype and FaceTime calls.
“I have found with clients who I’ve already built trust with -- it’s not as big of a barrier,” Smith said. “But with clients who are new referrals -- [who] I’m just meeting for the first time -- I would say it is somewhat of a barrier having to do that through video call.”
There is a silver lining.
Lynn Wood is the caregiver support coordinator for Mental Health America of the MidSouth. She said using grant money from the United Way, they are able to buy more resources, and send them to family members of their clients—something they couldn’t do before.
She works primarily with Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers, so she’s thankful they’re able to provide family members with educational resources as well.
She also says family members have been able to jump on Zoom calls to discuss care, and there’s been virtual support groups.
“I did have my first ever virtual Caregiver support group meeting today via zoom and that had a lot of positive feedback,” Wood said.
“Someone Like Me”
End Slavery Tennessee also helps victims of sex trafficking. Coincidentally, it launched a podcast around the same time Nashvillians, including survivors, started staying home.
Smith said it’s for survivors to tell their own story in their own way, with complete editorial control.
“They get to dispel the myths that so many believe about trafficking, and to talk about things that they believe will help other people who might be in similar situations,” Smith said.
You can find the podcast here.