Sociocultural Impacts of Child Trafficking on Mental Health: Public Health Interventions to Streamline the Reintegration Process

Saurabh R Shrivastava; Prateek S Bobhate

doi:10.55489/njcm.160920255785

Authors

Saurabh R Shrivastava Department of Community Medicine, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Nagpur, India
Prateek S Bobhate Department of Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Vijaypur, Jammu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.160920255785

Keywords:

Mental health, Children, Trafficking, Anxiety, Reintegration

Abstract

Child trafficking is a global public health concern that deprives children of safety, freedom, and dignity. Trafficked children are separated from their families and local communities and this results in feelings of loneliness and abandonment. The combination of all these sociocultural factors and situations significantly hinders the development and self-esteem of the trafficked children. To mitigate the impact of the above-mentioned sociocultural factors, we must adopt public health interventions, like culturally tailored mental health counselling, community-based anti-stigma campaigns, etc., which aids in the creation of a supportive ecosystem that encourages healing, resilience, and reintegration of trafficked children upon their return. In conclusion, socio-cultural factors significantly influence the mental health outcomes of trafficked children. Addressing these issues requires a multipronged approach, built on the support from different sectors to ensure holistic recovery and streamline the reintegration process.

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