There are several similarities between stalking, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), and Family Violence (FV). First, both stalking and IPV/FV are extremely dangerous situations that are linked to an increased risk of death. This is evident in cases where trauma intersects with these forms of violence. It is important to note that perpetrators of both IPV/FV and stalking are among the most dangerous offenders. They often have intimate knowledge of their victims, which can lead to coercive threats and manipulation. This dynamic can result in emotional abuse and create lethality indicators, such as access to weapons and threats of homicide or suicide. Victims frequently experience significant emotional and psychological distress, living in constant fear for their lives. This anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance can severely disrupt their daily activities and overall well-being (Pabon, A., 2024).
For example, stalking may be an ongoing issue that overlaps with IPV/FV, causing victims to gradually lose their sense of security. Over time, this can harm their mental health, often resulting in symptoms of PTSD or long-term exposure to trauma (SPARC., 2022, December 29, 34:48)
Second, both stalking and IPV/FV are driven by power and control dynamics over victims. Stalking often involves repeated unwanted contact that instills fear, much like how perpetrators of IPV/FV use threats and manipulation to maintain control. For example, both stalking and intimate partner violence are intended to dominate and manipulate the victim's behavior and emotional well-being(SPARC., 2022, December 29, 12:23).
Third, perpetrators of stalking and IPV/FV also may isolate their victims from family, friends, and support networks by taking advantage of victims of stalking or IPV/FV who don't know their rights or how to escape the situation. For example, stalkers and abusive partners may use technology or surveillance to further isolate victims or aim to harm their emotional well-being by preventing victims of stalking or IPV/FV from feeling safe within their own home (Victim Connect Resource., 2022).
Second, while stalking and IPV/FV can sometimes overlap, IPV/FV typically occurs within the context of a romantic or family dynamic. In contrast, stalking can happen outside of an intimate relationship and may involve strangers, acquaintances, or former partners. Stalking can take place in person or online, with a stalker potentially refusing to acknowledge the end of a relationship or having had no prior relationship with the victim at all. In comparison, IPV/FV involves abuse within a current or former intimate relationship or family dynamic. (Pabon, A., 2024, para. 2).
Third, the legal approach to stalking differs from that of IPV/FV. In stalking cases, victims often need to meticulously document incidents, including those occurring online, and may be required to report them to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This can involve navigating complex online harassment, which demands a focus on technology safety and digital habits; procedures that differ from those typically involved in IPV/FV cases, where the emphasis is more on physical or emotional abuse within a personal relationship (Victim Connect Resource., 2022)
Second, understanding human trafficking allows social workers to advocate for trauma-informed care, ensuring that victims receive specialized support, including mental health services, shelter, and legal aid, which address the deep physical and emotional trauma they’ve endured (Domesticshelters.org, 2022, September 1).
Third, human trafficking intersects with broader social justice issues like economic inequality and labor exploitation. Social workers, guided by the NASW Code of Ethics, can engage in policy advocacy to address the root causes of trafficking and promote social justice, ensuring equal access to resources and protection for marginalized groups (National Association of Social Workers, 2021, 1.05(b), 6.04(a)(b)(c)(d)).
I learned a great deal from Kat in the "Survivor Speaks" video. I felt deep horror and sadness for her, and it reinforced how much empathy and compassion I will have for victims and survivors of human trafficking in the future. Several points stood out to me, such as when Kat mentioned how a female cop took her outside to smoke a cigarette, separating her from her mother, while they tried to report the rape, abuse, and pedophilia. Despite their efforts, the officers tried to dismiss and discourage both her and her mother from pressing charges. Another key moment was when Kat explained how her abusers manipulated her into believing their distorted reality, making her think that what she was enduring was "normal." This was reinforced by the fact that her captors included seemingly trusted figures, like a doctor, perpetuating the harsh narrative that "this is just life." Given how young and impressionable she was while working as a sex worker, this psychologically scarred her for life, leaving her unable to trust anyone since it seemed like everyone in her reality was an abuser.
I also learned about the extreme physical dangers Kat faced, including grooming, rape, emotional abuse, gaslighting, and manipulation, all of which formed the cycle of her exploitation. It became clear how crucial it is to believe and validate victims of human trafficking and abuse. I could feel the pain, fear, and confusion Kat carried for years, and it’s heartbreaking that this was the only reality she knew. Additionally, Kat discussed in depth the cultural dynamics and intersectionality of environmental racism and poverty. She grew up as a White girl in a predominantly Black neighborhood, where she felt unable to cry for help because no one would come to her aid. This left her vulnerable and entirely at the mercy of her captors. The nightmare she endured is unimaginable. Watching this video was emotionally challenging, and I learned the importance of staying mindful of my breathing, staying grounded, and managing my emotions; especially when confronted with graphic, difficult stories like Kat's. I will continue learning through a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive lens (Soft White Underbelly., 2022, December 18).
Social Work and Human Trafficking Awareness
Three reasons why having knowledge and understanding about human trafficking is important for social work practice are: First, having competency and knowledge of human trafficking helps social workers identify vulnerable populations, such as those facing poverty, homelessness, or abuse. These clients are often targeted by traffickers due to their susceptibility to coercion or manipulation, and social workers can intervene with appropriate resources.
Advocacy and Competency in Social Work Against Human Trafficking
According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, Social and Political Action, 6.01(a), social workers should engage in social and political action, especially in combating human trafficking. For example, ensuring that victims have access to critical resources, such as housing, healthcare, and legal support, to help them escape exploitation. National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, 6.01(b) emphasizes that social workers should advocate for and provide more choices and opportunities for marginalized, oppressed, vulnerable, and exploited groups, such as victims of human trafficking (National Association of Social Workers, 2021, 6.01(a)(b)).
Empathy and Advocacy: Lessons Learned from Survivor Stories