Beyond Rescue: Integrative Psychological, Legal, and Social Support for Female Migrant Survivors of Human Trafficking

Authors

  • Dildora O. Ahmedova Department of Psychology and Pedagogy, Faculty of Social Sciences, ISFT International School of Finance Technology and Science (Private University), Tashkent 100140, Uzbekistan;
  • Mumtozkhon A. Abduvalieva Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, National University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent city 100174, Uzbekistan;
  • Nodirbek A. Yusupov Department of Labor Law, Faculty of Labor Law, Tashkent State University of Law, Tashkent City 100000, Uzbekistan;
  • Faringiz O. Yusupova Department of International Law and Human Rights, Faculty of International Law, Tashkent State University of Law, Tashkent City 100000, Uzbekistan;
  • Jakhongir Z. Qudratillayev Department of Constitutional Law, Faculty of Constitutional Law, Tashkent State University of Law, Tashkent City 100000, Uzbekistan;
  • Khazratali Z. Qudratillayev Department of Criminal Procedure Law, Faculty of Criminal Law, Tashkent State University of Law, Tashkent City 100000, Uzbekistan;
  • Nodira M. Gafurova Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, Tashkent Pediatric Medical University, Tashken City, 100140, Uzbekistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48161/qaj.v5n4a2135

Keywords:

female migrants, human trafficking, legal support, social support.

Abstract

This article focuses on the unique vulnerabilities of female migrant survivors of human trafficking and the potential for complementary forms of support that take into account psychological, legal, and social interventions. The key goal is to move beyond immediate rescue work and establish lasting structures for resilience, justice, and the reintegration into society. A mixed-methods design was used, with 150 female migrant survivors as the primary population. Quantitative data were gathered through structured questionnaires related to demographics, mental health, and legal access. In-depth qualitative data was acquired through semi-structured interviews with survivors and aid workers, focus group discussions, and case studies across shelters and community programs. Psychological outcomes, legal accessibility, and social support systems in the analysis were triangulated to better depict the nuances of survivors’ experiences. Results revealed a high prevalence of trauma-related illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, that, in light of stigma and legal ambiguity, were exacerbated. Survivors who received integrated psychological treatment, legal assistance, and community-based social support demonstrated greater well-being and fewer odds of re-trafficking. Interventions which were effective were trauma-informed care, culturally appropriate legal services, and peer-support. The barriers reported were insufficient funding, lack of consistent law enforcement, lack of available services as well as continual discrimination. Shelters and NGOs provided a number of case studies highlighting how embedded programs generated empowerment, legal literacy, and an increased reintegration into social systems. The study highlights the need for holistic interventions that are focused on addressing related psychological, legal, and social needs of female migrant survivors. Trauma-informed mental health services, access to justice, and strong social support networks combine to support recovery and resilience. Policy recommendations consist of increasing resources for services that focus on survivors, strengthening international and national legal protections, and collaboration between sectors. Longitudinal studies should be focused on in future studies for long-term results of integrative perspectives and the best practices of replication across nations.

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Author Biographies

Dildora O. Ahmedova , Department of Psychology and Pedagogy, Faculty of Social Sciences, ISFT International School of Finance Technology and Science (Private University), Tashkent 100140, Uzbekistan;

Associate Professor, Department of Psychology and Pedagogy, Faculty of Social Sciences, ISFT Institute

Mumtozkhon A. Abduvalieva , Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, National University of Uzbekistan, Tashkent city 100174, Uzbekistan;

Associate Professor of the Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, National University of Uzbekistan, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociological Sciences

Nodirbek A. Yusupov , Department of Labor Law, Faculty of Labor Law, Tashkent State University of Law, Tashkent City 100000, Uzbekistan;

Senior lecturer of the Department of Labor Law of

Tashkent state university of law

Faringiz O. Yusupova, Department of International Law and Human Rights, Faculty of International Law, Tashkent State University of Law, Tashkent City 100000, Uzbekistan;

acting Associate Professor at the Department of International Law and Human Rights, Tashkent State University of Law

Jakhongir Z. Qudratillayev , Department of Constitutional Law, Faculty of Constitutional Law, Tashkent State University of Law, Tashkent City 100000, Uzbekistan;

 Senior lectutrer at the Department of Constitutional Law, Tashkent State University of Law

Khazratali Z. Qudratillayev , Department of Criminal Procedure Law, Faculty of Criminal Law, Tashkent State University of Law, Tashkent City 100000, Uzbekistan;

 Lectutrer at the Department of Criminal Procedure Law, Tashkent State University of Law

Nodira M. Gafurova , Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, Tashkent Pediatric Medical University, Tashken City, 100140, Uzbekistan.

Department of Social Sciences, Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, Tashkent Pediatric Medical University,

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Published

2025-11-30

How to Cite

Ahmedova , D., Abduvalieva, M. ., Yusupov , N. ., Yusupova , F. ., Qudratillayev, J., Qudratillayev , K. ., & Gafurova, N. . (2025). Beyond Rescue: Integrative Psychological, Legal, and Social Support for Female Migrant Survivors of Human Trafficking . Qubahan Academic Journal, 5(4), 437–465. https://doi.org/10.48161/qaj.v5n4a2135

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