The experiences of survivors of human trafficking in Australia and Singapore

This thesis investigates how survivors of human trafficking reflect upon their lived experiences, contextualised within their life narratives. Adapting the Grounded Theory approach to qualitative research, I conducted semi - structured interviews with 12 survivors in Australia and Singapore (Strauss & Corbin, 1998). My results suggest that a unique constellation of pre-trafficking factors contribute to survivors' vulnerability and encapsulation. This in turn has psychological consequences that impact the strategies survivors' employ to exit their trafficking context. Post - trafficking experiences are characterised by the transition from systemic dependence to resettlement with ongoing consequences for their psychological wellbeing. My findings and theory help to fill large gaps in the literature and drive recommendations for service provision, interventions, legislation and further research.