1. Introduction

Introduction

RECOVER focuses on the use of sport and physical activity as a complementary approach in the recovery and reintegration of victims of trafficking (Li et al., 2023; Rosenbaum et al., 2015). Human trafficking is a severe form of exploitation that affects individuals across all areas of life and is often characterised by prolonged exposure to physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Victims may experience long-lasting trauma, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, social withdrawal, and difficulties with trust and concentration, which frequently persist well beyond the end of exploitation. These complex and enduring impacts complicate recovery and reintegration processes and underline the need for coordinated, long-term support involving multiple sectors.

Within this context, sport and physical activity have the potential to play a meaningful role in recovery and reintegration (Li et al., 2023). Evidence from practitioners and experts indicates that appropriately designed sport activities can support physical health, psychological wellbeing, and social inclusion by helping individuals reconnect with their bodies, reduce stress and emotional distress, and establish stabilizing routines. Group-based activities can further reduce isolation and create opportunities to rebuild trust and a sense of belonging in a non-clinical, participatory setting (Spaaij et al., 2019). When embedded within wider support pathways and delivered with sensitivity to trauma, gender, and cultural contexts, sport can contribute to empowerment and confidence-building, supporting longer-term reintegration into community life rather than functioning as an isolated intervention.

Despite this potential, sport remains unevenly and inconsistently used within trafficking recovery frameworks. RECOVER responds to this gap by addressing limitations in knowledge, practice, and collaboration between the sport sector and professionals working with victims of trafficking. It supports safer, more inclusive, and more informed use of sport, encourages cooperation across sectors, and contributes to inclusive access to physical activity in line with relevant European frameworks related to physical activity, health, social inclusion, and digital development (Council of Europe, 2020).

This e-guide is designed for sports coaches, trainers, and professionals working with victims of trafficking. It offers practical strategies and examples to help integrate sport into recovery and reintegration processes. This E-Guide is predominantly informed by field consultations with professionals working in sport, social support, and anti-trafficking contexts across the partner countries, as consolidated in the Needs Analysis Report. The guidance is complemented, where relevant, by academic research, policy documents, and practical guidelines developed by international and non-governmental organizations. Drawing on this combined evidence base, the E-Guide provides practical guidance on designing and delivering sport activities that support the physical and psychological recovery and reintegration of victims of trafficking, while consistently addressing ethical and safety considerations. The Needs Analysis Report itself was developed through interviews, consultations, and a review of existing practices conducted across all six partner countries, with the aim of identifying the concrete needs of coaches and support professionals working in recovery and reintegration settings.

Citations:

Council of Europe. (2020). Social inclusion of migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons through sport. Council of Europe. https://rm.coe.int/report-social-inclusion-of-migrants-refugees-and-internally-displaced-/1680ab339e
Li, Z., Tang, X., Ye, Y., Tian, L., Li, H., Li, H., & Guo, L. (2023). Physical activity and mental health after trauma: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, Article 1015855.
Rosenbaum, S., Vancampfort, D., Steel, Z., Newby, J. M., Ward, P. B., & Stubbs, B. (2015). Physical activity in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, 230(2), 130–136.
Spaaij, R., Broerse, J., Oxford, S., Luguetti, C., McLachlan, F., McDonald, B., Klepac, B., Lymbery, L., & Luguetti, C. N. (2019). Sport, refugees, and forced migration: A critical review of the literature. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 1, Article 47.

RECOVER E-GUIDE

Curriculum

1. Introduction

Introduction

Citations:

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