Each survivor’s response is shaped by their history, culture and support systems.

Neuroscience shows trauma can involve feelings of powerlessness, being trapped, believing there is no escape, strong physical stress responses, and ongoing “high alert” even after danger has passed. This is why trauma-informed care must prioritise safety, choice and empowerment.

_{Source: Dr Andrew Huberman (2021)⁵⁸}

A diagnosis is made by qualified mental health professionals — but a diagnosis is not required to recognise trauma. What matters most is providing safe, respectful and trauma-informed care, regardless of whether a diagnosis has been made.

Modern slavery does not cause a single “type” of trauma. It often involves experiences such as:

• Prolonged or repeated harm

• Loss of control or autonomy

• Dehumanisation or betrayal

• Lack of safety or predictability

• Isolation from support networks

• Ongoing fear, even after exploitation ends

These experiences can overlap with other forms of complex trauma, particularly when exploitation begins in childhood or involves trusted individuals.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is closely related. It includes PTSD symptoms (such as flashbacks and anxiety), alongside longer-term difficulties with emotional regulation, self-worth and relationships. They sit on a continuum: complex trauma describes what happened, while C-PTSD describes how a person may be affected over time.

Understanding this relationship supports more informed, compassionate responses for survivors.

First described by McCann & Pearlman (1990), it recognises that repeated exposure to others’ traumatic experiences can affect a helper’s wellbeing, identity and worldview.

It can affect social workers, counsellors, frontline workers, case managers, advocates — and researchers working in areas such as modern slavery, abuse or humanitarian response.

Find practical strategies to recognise and respond to vicarious trauma in the Guide (pp. 33 & 73).

Phoenix Australia also provides evidence-based training, including an online course focused on resilience using the Prepare, Respond, Recover framework.

• Emotional changes
  Anxiety, fear, sadness, frustration, feeling emotionally drained

• Physical effects
  Fatigue, sleep difficulties, headaches or a feeling of heaviness in the body

• Changes in perspective
  Cynicism or hopelessness, seeing the world as unsafe

• Impacts on relationships
  Withdrawing from others, loss of connection with loved ones, difficulty maintaining boundaries

• Intrusive thoughts
  Preoccupation with traumatic stories, nightmares, racing or intrusive thoughts outside work

Not everyone experiences these signs in the same way, or at the same time. Recognising early changes can help support wellbeing and reduce long-term impact.

On being able to find help

“Just knowing that help is available — especially at the moment you need to leave — can make a huge difference. Clear, visible pathways to help people take that first step safely.”

On trauma-informed and culturally aware responses

“Responses that are trauma-informed and culturally aware help people feel understood rather than judged. When services recognise different backgrounds and experiences, it makes it easier for survivors to ask for help and stay engaged.”

On recovery and rebuilding

“Rebuilding after exploitation isn’t about starting from nothing — it’s about being supported through housing, stability and care so you can move forward with dignity and hope.”

_{Source: HerSpace survivor consultations (2025)}