title: 'We are looked down upon and rejected socially': a qualitative study on the experiences of trafficking survivors in Nepal.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The successful reintegration of sexual trafficking survivors into Nepalese society is challenging. This paper aims to explore the trafficking process, abuses faced during sexual slavery,and the challenges faced by women and girl survivors for successful reintegration.
  
  
  METHODS
  This exploratory study used qualitative methods to identify that poverty, illiteracy, lack of opportunities, and varied social stigma initiate the victimization process, and continuity of this vicious circle increases the risk for (re)entrapment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The reasons for sexual trafficking have also become the reasons for restricting survivors from opportunities for growth and mainstreaming.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Non-existent support systems, detachment from familial ties, being outcast by society, and an uncertain livelihood make reintegration difficult for survivors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden; pranab.dahal@lnu.se.
authors.forename: Pranab
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dahal
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu, Nepal.
authors.forename: Sunil Kumar
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.
authors.forename: Katarina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Swahnberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D064410:Human Trafficking / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D000067010:Literacy; D009390:Nepal; D011203:Poverty; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D012934:Social Isolation; D057545:Social Stigma; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Nepal; reintegration; sexual trafficking; stigma; victimization