Chuppi Ke Zakhm (Wounds of Silence): The Psycho-Social Burden of Institutional Control and Social Stigma on Trafficked Women in South Asia

Human trafficking is a violation of human rights with profound psychosocial impacts. Survivors of trafficking, particularly teenage girls, face significant mental, emotional, and social challenges, that affect their recovery and reintegration into society. This study focuses on the experiences of trafficked women who have undergone rehabilitation programs at Sanlaap, an internationally acclaimed non-profit organisation working with survivors in South Asia. It also examines the obstacles women encounter during reintegration with society, such as stigma, regret, and shame, which often exacerbate feelings of isolation and hinder their recovery, through the following research questions: In what ways does the concept of a "Total Institution" apply to the rehabilitation process for trafficked women? What are the psycho-social impacts of stigma on the identity and social reintegration of trafficked women during and post-rehabilitation? The theoretical framework of this study draws on Erving Goffman's concepts of Total Institution and Stigma. Goffman’s notion of the Total Institution offers a lens to understand how survivors adapt to rehabilitation settings, which impose specific regulations on their bodies and behaviour. His theory of Stigma further elucidates the societal challenges that survivors encounter during their reintegration into the broader community, particularly labelling and marginalisation. The study utilises a qualitative research approach, employing in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 staff members of Sanlaap (social workers, counsellors, and founders) and 10 women survivors, along with field observations at Sanlaap’s centres in South 24 Parganas and Kolkata. Thematic analysis will be used to explore the psychosocial impact of trafficking, the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs, and the challenges faced by both survivors and social workers. The research contributes to the academic discourse by reanalysing the concept of gender violence and victimization of survivors, particularly through their complex dynamics with macro institutions such as NGOs, law, and the state.