Surviving Corona Virus as a Survivor

Why Asking Survivors to Wear Face Masks Might be Asking Too Much

Today as I was listening to an interview on NPR with a gentleman who spoke on the difficult decision to wear a face mask in public as a black man in America, I was reminded of another population who is also struggling with the weight of this decision.

I would like to speak for trauma survivors in regards to the mass wearing of masks in the public setting.  I would specifically like to speak for human trafficking survivors, who are finding it extremely difficult emotionally to be around individuals who are wearing masks in public.  They also find it extremely difficult to be asked to wear a mask themselves.  Many of these individuals have undergone traumatic experiences in which either the faces of their abusers were covered or their own faces were covered in order to ensure their silence during a violent assault.  Asking this population to wear masks when they are not sick or to be around others who are wearing masks, has taken a toll on their mental health.  Many are having panic attacks and flashbacks as they struggle between making the difficult decision of protecting their physical health at the sake of sacrificing their mental health.   In addition, wearing masks restricts oxygen flow, which can in itself trigger a panic attack for those with sensitive systems. Having decisions such as this dictated by others in a position of authority can be particularly dis-empowering and triggering for the trauma survivor.

Kindness is of utmost importance during this difficult time as we support individuals who choose not to cover their faces.  We also must be mindful that by covering one's own face, we are hiding our ability to non-verbally communicate kindness and safety.  Small gestures such as waving and saying hello (even from six feet away) can go a long way in making people feel comfortable during this difficult time.

Thank you,

Alicia Hansen
SAFE Director