Assessment of the Psychosocial Support provided to Female Victims of Traffickingin Safe Homes: The case of Organization for Prevention, Rehabilitation and Integration of Female Street Children

Abstract

This study was conducted at the safe home of OPRIFS which is found in Addis Ababa, Yeka sub city. The main concern of this study was to assess the psychosocial supports provided in the safe home for victims of the consequences of child trafficking. The main objectives of the study were: to identify problems child victims of trafficking experience; to review services available (psycho social support) for those children in temporary shelters and to assess the outcome of psycho social support in the safe homes in changing the life and situation of the children. The research utilized qualitative research method; and the data were collected by using focus group discussion and interview guide. The study used purposive sampling method by selecting the participants in the safe home who were victims of trafficking. The female victims of child trafficking faced various problems at the destination place (Addis Ababa). They were abused by their employers (relatives or non-relatives) and by the people to whom they took asylum. The two major works the children engaged in were baby-sitting and domestic work. The children had to face physical such as beating and slapping; and psychological such as insulting abuses. They left their home by being deceived by brokers to have better jobs and education. The child trafficking victims, after they joined the safe home, received different psycho social supports which included basic needs, health care, guidance and counseling, basic education, handicraft training, recreation and reunification with families. The research participants responded that they were happy with most of the services except the health care. They also stated that the services were great help in improving their emotional problems and in readjusting to normal life. And most of the children have bright future plans. The psychosocial services including the reunification program conducted by the agency must not only continue but should also be strengthened.Despite that, the services provided in the safe home should be checked every time by participating the children; and reorganize the programs based on their relevance and the interest of the beneficiaries