Branchini, Casey

PubHealth
PhD
Thailand
Building an integrated service delivery model for trafficking victims on the Thai-Burma border
Over the last ten years, the number of international migrants has increased more than 60%, from 150 to 214 million. The majority are low or unskilled workers employed in the unregulated informal sector. Trapped in "3D (dirty, dangerous, difficult) jobs", they face an increased risk of communicable and non-communicable disease, as well as abuse and exploitation. All of which have devastating effects on physical and mental health. Research conducted in the U.S. suggests that, compared to legal residents, migrant report higher rates of occupational injury and illness across a variety of sectors. The prevalence of labor trafficking, combined with the health risks, illustrate the urgent need for evidence-based strategies for identifying and assisting victims. However, to date, there have been little to no rigorous evaluations of existing programs and the majority of research is exploratory. This project will begin to address this gap by combining action research and evaluation to develop an integrated service delivery model, including standardized case management forms, for trafficking victims along the Thai-Burma border. It will lay the foundation for a larger JHSPH (Date: 09/14-05/17; PI: Dr. Courtland Robinson) through which the model will be piloted, tested and revised. Both initiatives will be conducted in partnership with a local non-governmental organization (NGO), Social Action for Women (SAW) to ensure that findings are translated into practice.