Peret Patience Shikse has burning passion to help vulnerable and most-at-risk marginalized populations in 
her community in Northeast Nigeria – especially those affected by conflict-induced human trafficking. As the Project Coordinator for the Strengthening Services for Victims of Human Trafficking program in the region, Peret combats exploitation through mental health and psycho social support (MHPSS).
How does Heartland Alliance work to prevent and respond to human trafficking?
Heartland Alliance International work in Northeast Nigeria to prevent and respond to human trafficking with guidance and technical assistance for community and government leaders. We help communities learn how to identify and respond to instances of human trafficking. We connect with communal leadership and government entities to build protection services, and also connect with families and individuals who have been impacted by human trafficking to ensure everyone can have a chance at recovery.
This work serves as an avenue for successful rehabilitation and reintegration of vulnerable and conflict affected populations. We ensure survivors return to a healthy social environment devoid of discrimination, stigma, community exclusion, harmful traditional practices, poor self-esteem, and dissociation. By changing the narrative and returning people’s sense of belonging and ownership, we are building more resilient communities.
What are the challenges or barriers that keep victims/survivors from connecting with Heartland’s services? How do you respond to those challenges?
Human trafficking thrives in the shadows. Stigmatization, lack of understanding of trafficking, and a lack of trust in institutions provides a space for human traffickers to exploit individuals. That is why our MHPSS and advocacy services for communities and governments are so important. We work hard to help our communities understand that the people who are trafficked are not at fault, and to prove to people who have been trafficked that they can trust the services we provide. Strengthening social fabrics is integral to eradicating trafficking.
Providing safety and health care are major factors in Heartland’s response to human trafficking. How do we build trust and relationships in order to ensure victims are not only able to heal but also thrive?
First and foremost, attending to survivors of trafficking’s primary needs and priorities comes first. It is critical to both building trust and ensuring that they are not vulnerable enough to be re-trafficked by creating an enabling environment. This takes time, as building trust and transparency cannot happen overnight. Ultimately, we want the people we serve to be empowered to share their experiences and find the solutions that will best serve them to thrive.
How can our supporters take action to help prevent human trafficking?
It’s our collective responsibility to raise our voices and demand an end to human trafficking. It’s everyone’s business to know how to prevent and mitigate trafficking in persons and we need to engage in continuous, aggressive, and rugged commitment to awareness raising and sensitization at all levels – from high level policy advocacy to establishment of Anti-Trafficking campaign clubs in schools.
Information, education and communication is critical in this work. Educate yourself and listen to the experts, and help others do the same.
