The effects of yoga intervention on vicarious trauma symptoms felt by human trafficking service providers

Human trafficking is a significant crime and human rights violation that impacts more than 27.6 million individuals globally and is incredibly complex in nature (U.S. Department of State, 2023). Survivors are subjected to extreme conditions of abuse, neglect, and coercion leading to the need for competent and compassionate service providers and community support efforts (Kenny et. al, 2022). Service providers working with survivors of human trafficking are exposed to traumatic stories and events daily putting them at high risk for developing symptoms of vicarious trauma (Cohen & Collens, 2013). Due to the nature of their work, it is important to identify protective factors and methods of self-care for service providers that can prevent or reduce the impact of vicarious trauma. The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of trauma-informed yoga on the symptoms of vicarious trauma felt by service providers working with survivors of human trafficking.