Question
Why is it important for healthcare providers to be aware of indicators of human trafficking?
Answer
Recognizing several of these indicators in a patient's situation may signal the need for referrals and further assistance. It is essential to approach these situations with sensitivity and care:
- Injuries and Physical Signs: Unexplained injuries, evidence of physical abuse, or signs of neglect.
- Controlled Communication: The patient appears to be closely monitored or controlled by someone else, and they may not speak without that person present.
- Inconsistencies in Story: Discrepancies between the patient's explanation of their situation and their physical condition or appearance.
- Signs of Fear or Anxiety: The patient displays extreme fear, anxiety, depression, or nervousness, particularly when discussing their living conditions or the people they are with.
- Restricted Movement: The patient has limited freedom of movement, such as not being allowed to leave the examination room or having limited access to their identification or personal belongings.
- Lack of Documentation: The patient lacks identification, passport, or personal documents, which may be withheld by their traffickers.
- Multiple Sex Partners: If the patient presents with signs of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and is unable to provide a reasonable explanation for multiple sex partners.
- Tattoos or Branding: Tattoos or branding marks, often used by traffickers as a form of control or identification.
- Controlled Finances: The patient has limited control over their finances, and their earnings may be controlled or taken by someone else.
- Inability to Speak Freely: The patient seems unable to speak freely or make independent decisions.
These indicators are critical for healthcare providers to be aware of when evaluating patients, as they can help identify potential trafficking situations. However, it is essential to handle these situations with care, respecting the patient's privacy and dignity, and following appropriate reporting and referral protocols.
By remaining attentive to these indicators and approaching patients with sensitivity, healthcare providers can play a crucial role in identifying and supporting potential trafficking survivors. Healthcare providers can play a vital role in identifying and assisting potential trafficking survivors if attentive to certain indicators. Look for worsening GI issues like IBS or constipation, malnutrition, sudden weight loss, reproductive problems including STIs or genital trauma, and substance abuse.
Mental health cues include depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, anxiety, PTSD, flashbacks, shame, guilt, hypervigilance, hostility, dissociation, depersonalization, and attachment issues like difficulty socializing or forming relationships. With depersonalization, they may feel detached from themselves, as if watching a movie, along with emotional/physical numbness and a sense of unfamiliarity with surroundings. Dissociation could involve memory loss, detachment from self, lack of identity, alternate identities, and distorted perceptions.
Minors may exhibit running away, early sexual activity, trauma bonding, delayed development, and poor social skills. Staying alert to these red flags, asking questions sensitively, and offering support can encourage potential survivors to open up, receive assistance, and eventually heal.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness, presented by Angela Hernandez-Harris, MA, LCPC.
