Risk Aversion

A few years ago, two Italian researchers came to Cebu to study factors of vulnerability and prospects for reintegration of former victims of trafficking at two large government shelters.  In short, they looked at what led the girls into trafficking and what their futures may look like. Most of the 69 participants were between the ages of 14-18.  They assessed educational levels, family composition and dynamics, history of abuse, household decision- making, and decision to leave the household among other factors. Their findings provide useful information for aftercare facilities to consider when rehabilitating and reintegrating trafficking survivors.

I heard the researchers present their findings at a seminar shortly after I arrived in Cebu. What stuck out to me the most were two words: risk averse. Trafficking survivors, at least in the Philippine context, are overwhelmingly risk averse. While there are exceptions, it is not the norm to happily take risks. But isn’t this opposed to logic? After all, didn’t this same population engage in risky sexual behavior? Well, some did and some didn’t. Even then, few chose to engage in risky behavior; they were desperate for money and felt they had no other option or a relative or a friend sold them to customers without their consent or they thought they were getting jobs as waitresses. The reasons are as varied as their lives.

In the western world we are often taught that taking risks is brave. We pay money to jump out of airplanes, we invest in the stock market, and we leave our families and all that is familiar to pursue education and new opportunities.  The women I see daily just don’t think about doing things without a sure outcome. I guess I was reminded of this after a conversation my social worker and I had with an SGI resident yesterday.   She’s considering her internship options as she’s about to begin her last semester of college. This is a woman whom I consider brave on so many levels. However, she is reluctant to take a risk with an internship which could open doors for a financially stable future. I have no doubt that she would do well, but the idea of plunging into a place with many unknowns gives her anxiety. I backed off, despite really wanting to push her to take the opportunity.

There is a spiritual lesson here about risking it all to follow Christ, who risked everything for us.  I would love to see that kind of trust, but I can’t be the one to push her over the edge.  She’s making her way forward ever so carefully and even wisely and she’ll get there.  We’ll be there to walk alongside her and gently nudge her when it’s time.