Conducting Research with Survivors of Sex Trafficking: Lessons from a Financial Diaries Study in the Philippines

Abstract

Human trafficking is a significant human rights issue confronting social workers, and yet rigorous research on human trafficking remains limited, particularly in the social work field. Numerous ethical and methodological challenges arise when researching human trafficking. Few studies have, however, examined the process of conducting research with trafficked persons. This study explored the process of conducting research with survivors of sex trafficking and their family members, focusing on relational dynamics that emerged in interviewers’ relationships with survivors. Findings were taken from a six-month financial diaries study that was conducted with survivors of sex trafficking and their family members in the Philippines, involving 352 interviews with survivors and family members. Field observations detailing the interviewers’ interactions with research participants during the financial diaries were analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified in the analysis: the trust-building process, multi-layered relationships and managing expectations, situational responsiveness and the emotional impact of the research process. Recommendations for conducting research with trafficked persons are provided.