EFFECTS

Physical

The process of human trafficking can overtime drain the victim of their self esteem and self worth, which can, as a result, greatly affect the victim’s mental and physical health. The woman is faced with problems coming from detrimental diseases, such as AIDS or HIV and other kinds of STDs. Most of the Filipino women that are victims of human trafficking have experienced many types of injuries. The most common kinds are internal pain, broken bones, head injuries, complications/pain in menstruation, rib injury, back pain, difficulty in breathing, eye infections, and heart problems. Other women were not even able to remember the specific injuries they suffered. There is also the risk of an unwanted pregnancy. (Haney, Dawn)

Many women that have been exploited were also forced to take different drugs not knowing what kind of drug it was, and what effect it had until it took hold. One victim stated, “They would force us to drink some tablets that made us high, and we were forced to take it so we would be even better (sexually)." (Santos, Aida F.) They were also forced to drink alcohol along with the drugs, many times causing the women to have problems with falling asleep. The women were also limited to how much food they were able to eat. Most of them were only fed once or twice a day; a way to keep them fit and skinny. Because of this, there was a high chance of malnutrition among the victims. Some even complained of being hungry after “work.” (Santos, Aida F.) All of these problems contribute to more problems the women will face in the future. (Haney, Dawn)

Mental

Human trafficking can also hurt the victim mentally. They face problems like having to return home with a child or a life threatening disease. This ends up causing family and friends to view them in negative ways and which gives them the wrong kind of reputation. Once labled, the victim might be abused or fall in to depression. When the women were asked how they managed their situation, especially being so far away from their loved ones, most of the women said that they just accepted the situation. Despite the difficulties that they faced, most women comforted themselves with the thought that somehow their lives would turn up and get better. Many of the women relied on religion and strong faith to help them survive the violence and the memories. (Haney, Dawn)