"Going It Alone": Following the Male Cohort of Survivors of Sex Trafficking of the Chab Dai Butterfly Longitudinal Research Project

Authors: Jarrett D. Davis, James Havey, Glenn M. Miles, Nhanh Channtha, Sreang Phally, Lim Vanntheary
Publication: Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence
Year: 2021
Category: Sex Trafficking, Male Survivors, Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Over the past ten years, the Butterfly Longitudinal Research Project has followed 128 survivors of trafficking through their experiences in aftercare, reintegration, and beyond to better understand the recovery and reintegration of trafficking survivors within a Cambodian context. This paper focuses on the 19 males who were available to interview. Despite the project's wealth of data and analysis, there are notable gaps regarding the male cohort. In response, this paper examines this cohort holistically, considering their statements and broader narratives, merging them with previous collective observations of the Butterfly Project.

Keywords

• Cambodia
• Sexual exploitation
• Boys
• Shelter care
• Bullying
• Resilience

Key Findings

• High rates of both physical and emotional peer-to-peer violence during the male cohort's time in residential care
• Emotional violence from families following community reintegration
• Difficulties in work and school, frequent migration, and housing instability
• Lack of trusting relationships and emotional support throughout the reintegration process
• Increasing pressure to earn money and support families as respondents aged
• Evidence of compound trauma and poor emotional health in later stages of reintegration

Methodology

The study used a mixed-method approach over a ten-year longitudinal study. Data collection methods included longitudinal survey tools, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, informal interviews, play, art projects, and participant observation. The analysis examined the individual progression of 19 male survivors throughout their aftercare and reintegration processes, providing an overview of themes and placing this data in the context of the larger Butterfly Project dataset.

Implications

The research highlights the need for targeted interventions addressing the unique challenges faced by male survivors of sex trafficking. Key recommendations include:

• Developing male-specific emotional support systems and counseling services
• Creating positive, lasting, and community-based mentor relationships
• Improving family support and understanding of survivors' needs
• Enhancing substance misuse support from local authorities
• Allowing greater survivor involvement in aftercare program decision-making

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Citation

Davis, J. D., Havey, J., Miles, G. M., Channtha, N., Phally, S., & Vanntheary, L. (2021). "Going It Alone": Following the Male Cohort of Survivors of Sex Trafficking of the Chab Dai Butterfly Longitudinal Research Project. Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence, 6(4), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.23860/dignity.2021.06.04.03

Last Updated: July 2021