Phuket seminar trains agencies in trauma-informed care for trafficking survivors
A Phuket seminar brought together officials and child-protection organisations to improve psychological support for child survivors of human trafficking.
A seminar on psychological healing for child survivors of human trafficking was held at the Seabed Grand Hotel in Phuket on 18 August, bringing together government agencies, private-sector representatives and child-protection organisations.
Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam presided over the opening ceremony. He said Phuket placed importance on creating a safe society and protecting children and young people from exploitation and human trafficking.
Suwit said children who have experienced trauma require psychological healing, rehabilitation and an understanding of their behaviour. Effective support, he added, requires appropriate knowledge, practical skills and cooperation among multidisciplinary teams.
Matthias Björkqvist, director of the For Freedom International Foundation, said rescuing a child from exploitation could take a day, while addressing the psychological effects of trauma could take years.
“Rescue is only the beginning; true rehabilitation requires continuous trauma-informed care,” he said.
The workshop aimed to improve participants’ knowledge and practical skills in trauma-informed care and strengthen cooperation among agencies involved in child protection. Associate Professor Dr Wanida Paointh, a paediatrician and chair of the Child Protection Working Group at Thammasat University Hospital, shared expertise on supporting children experiencing severe psychological trauma.
For Freedom International said its work in Thailand had reached 17,833 people, including 16,251 students through preventive training. The organisation said it had also assisted 332 victims of exploitation, supported 125 cases, conducted 484 counselling sessions and 456 child forensic interviews, helped bring 40 offenders to justice, and provided vocational training to 67 survivors.
The training was supported by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Fund of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. Organisers said the programme was intended to strengthen cooperation among childcare providers and other frontline workers in providing sustained support for child victims and survivors in Phuket.
