Research with female survivors of CSE in Nepal highlight the potential stigma and exclusion they may face from the community on their return.220 In Cambodia, girls who had been trafficked perceived that
rejection by former friends, the community, society, and family was their biggest problem.221 Stigma
and discrimination may affect the ability of a survivor to earn a living or to marry.222 In addition, the
stigma and shame may impact on the wider family leading to strained relationships between the child and family members.223
In the field research, the response of the community was not an issue that was explored in detail. A number of transgender respondents talked about the fact that they were not accepted by society, but it was not clear whether that was due to their experiences of CSE or due to their identity as transgender. One young woman in Nepal shared that for survivors returning home:
“It’s difficult for them. They are not treated well by their brothers and siblings. Even the society is not good to them. Society does not understand that the children have gone through trouble and they are not necessarily bad people”.
Children who return to their communities may have other ‘markers’ that may also impact on how they are received.224 In the field research, it was noted that some survivors for example will wear heavy
make-up and act in a manner that could be perceived as hyper-sexualised. This has been found in
220 Richardson, D., Poudel, M., Laurie, N. (2009), “Sexual trafficking in Nepal: constructing citizenship and livelihoods,”
Gender, Place and Culture, Volume 16, Number. 3, 259-278; Simkhada, P. (2008), “Life histories and survival strategies
amongst sexually trafficked girls in Nepal,” Children and Society, Vol 22, pp. 235-248; Chen, C. and Marcovici, K. (2003), “Exploring the status of reintegrated girls: A participatory study,” Save the Children US/Nepal.
221 Bolton.P., Nadelman, S. and Wallace, T. (2008), “Qualitative assessment of trafficked girls in Cambodia,” John Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health and World Vision.
222 Reimer, J.K., Langeler, E., Sophea, S. and Montha, S. (2007), “The road home: Toward a model of 'reintegration' and considerations for alternative care for trafficked children for sexual exploitation in Cambodia,” Hagar/World Vision Cambodia; Chen, C. and Marcovici, K. (2003), “Exploring the status of reintegrated girls: A participatory study,” Save the Children US/Nepal.
223 Derks, A. (1998), “Reintegration of victims of trafficking in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, Cambodia: IOM and Center for Advanced Study (CAS).
224 Interagency group on children’s reintegration (2016), “Guidelines on children’s reintegration,” Family For Every Child/ Interagency group on children’s reintegration.
relation to survivors in other contexts where young people, who may be returning to rural conservative communities, have picked up certain habits that are frowned upon. For example, girls may smoke, drink, wear make-up or dress or act in a particular way which serves as a ‘marker’ of having been involved in the sex industry.225 This can determine whether the community accepts the young person.
In the field research, one service provider respondent talked about how the community could ostracise children and family for filing cases against perpetrators, especially if those carrying out the abuse were members of the local community.
In addition to their experience of CSE, there may be other reasons why children and families are discriminated against and excluded by community members. For example, individuals may face jealousy from their neighbours because of the assistance they receive due to their experiences of exploitation.226
It has been reported that due to the support and services that may be offered, children who have experienced rape or trafficking may be viewed as ‘lucky’ in contexts where others in the community are struggling to meet their children’s basic needs.227
Nonetheless, as every situation is different, not all children will face stigma on their return. Research points to examples where survivors have seemingly adjusted and have been welcomed home by the family and community.228
The broader literature suggests that for some children there may be numerous other concerns if they do return home. For example:
y
y For some children ‘home’ may have dramatically changed, for example if parents have separated and home itself is unfamiliar,
y
y Children may be bored, particularly if returning to rural areas after spending time in cities, y
y Children may find that their family limit their movement as a strategy to protect them from harm and from discrimination from the community,
y
y Children may also be forced to marry as a strategy to minimise the shame and stigma, and y
y Children may be unable to continue with their education or access services due to economic or geographic reasons.229
225 Derks, A. (1998), “Reintegration of victims of trafficking in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, Cambodia: IOM and Center for Advanced Study (CAS). Reimer, J.K., Langeler, E., Sophea, S. and Montha, S. (2007), “The road home: Toward a model
of 'reintegration' and considerations for alternative care for trafficked children for sexual exploitation in Cambodia,”
Hagar/World Vision Cambodia.
226 Brunovskis, A, and Surtees, R. (2007), “Leaving the past behind? When victims of trafficking decline assistance,” Norway: Fafo and NEXUS Institute; Derks, A. (1998), “Reintegration of victims of trafficking in Cambodia,” Phnom Penh, Cambodia: IOM and Center for Advanced Study (CAS).
227 Simcox, A. and Marshall, K. (2011), “Case study evaluation. World Hope International New Steps Reintegration Pilot
Project,” World Hope International.
228 Crawford, M. and Kaufman, M.R. (2008), “Sex trafficking in Nepal: Survivor characteristics and long-term outcomes,”
Violence Against Women, 14: 905.
229 See Cody, C. (2013), “What do we know about ... returning home: one option for children affected by sexual exploitation