S. Africa: Breaking the Cycle of Vulnerability

South Africa - A new report launched by IOM's Regional Office for Southern Africa finds that trafficked women in Eastern and Southern Africa do not receive the sexual, reproductive and mental health care they desperately need.

The report "Breaking the Cycle of Vulnerability - responding to the health needs of trafficked women in East and Southern Africa", says that there are not enough trained counsellors to provide adequate health care and support to victims and that organizations active in the field of counter trafficking need to better address their health and mental needs.

According to the report, the trafficking process increases women’s vulnerability to health-related problems including Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV and post-traumatic stress disorder, which, if not properly addressed, could lead to chronic anxiety, self harm and suicide.

Read the full report here