Women'S Rehabilitation Centre: Designing Spaces For Physical And Mental Recovery For Victims Of Human Trafficking

Abstract

Women’s rehabilitation centres play a crucial role in enhancing the physical and mental well-being of vulnerable women. These centres provide a safe and structured environment where women who have experienced abuse, addiction, trafficking, or social exclusion can receive care and support. In Nigeria, however, women’s rehabilitation centres often face significant accommodation-related challenges that limit their effectiveness in promoting the physical and mental healing process of these vulnerable women. Generally, a large number of Women’s rehabilitation centres operate in buildings not originally designed for therapeutic care, resulting in overcrowded rooms, poor ventilation, and limited privacy. Such conditions can negatively affect the recovery process by increasing stress, discomfort, and the risk of health complications among the victims of human trafficking (vulnerable women). Research was carried out through case studies, and data (primary/secondary data) were obtained through; field observations, interviews with healthcare providers, and the victims of human trafficking across selected women’s rehabilitation centres. The findings/results emphasized inadequate physical infrastructure and living conditions (inadequate accommodation, overcrowded rooms, poor ventilation, insufficient counselling programs) in women’s rehabilitation centres, which significantly hinder both physical healing and psychological recovery. The study, therefore, highlights the need for improved accommodation design, good sanitation, adequate space, adequate counselling programs, and supportive environments to enhance and facilitate the healing process of these victims of human trafficking.