THE HEALTHCARE STORY

With up to 88% of trafficking victims encountering the healthcare system while being trafficked, medical professionals are in a unique position to identify and support survivors. The majority of these interactions occur in emergency departments (63.3%), followed by Planned Parenthood clinics (29.6%), private practices (22.5%), urgent care clinics (21.4%), and women’s health and neighborhood clinics (19.4%). These statistics highlight the urgent need for healthcare providers to be trained in recognizing trafficking indicators and responding with trauma-informed care. 

WHY SEEK CARE?

Victims of human trafficking often seek healthcare for a variety of reasons, typically related to physical and psychological harm caused by their experiences. Some common chief complaints of victims seeking care include:

• Injuries from physical assault or abuse (e.g., bruises, fractures, burns, lacerations)

• Chronic pain (e.g., back pain, headaches, and pain from untreated injuries)

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unintended pregnancies following sexual exploitation

• Gynecological issues, such as vaginal infections, pelvic pain, or complications from forced sex work or abuse

• Mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation

• Substance use disorders or withdrawal symptoms due to addiction and substance abuse 

• Signs of malnutrition or dehydration due to poor living conditions or lack of proper care

• Sleep disturbances (e.g., insomnia, nightmares) often due to trauma

• Frequent hospital visits for seemingly minor ailments that may be attempts to seek help or avoid detection

RED FLAGS

• Someone else is speaking for the patient and refuses to let the patient have privacy. This can be a sign of control, with the trafficker preventing the victim from expressing themselves independently. 

• Exhibits fear, anxiety, submission, or tension. Victims may be visibly anxious, fearful of authority figures, or display submissive behavior, especially in the presence of their trafficker or abuser. 

• Reluctant to explain injuries or describes a scripted/inconsistent history. Victims may give vague or inconsistent explanations for their injuries, or may seem to recite a story that doesn't match the physical evidence, possibly because they've been coached by their trafficker. 

• Reports an unusually high number of sexual partners, STIs, pregnancies, miscarriages, or terminations. Victims may have a history of frequent sexual exploitation, leading to recurring health issues such as STIs, pregnancy, and gynecological complications. 

• Unaware of location, date, or time. Trafficking victims may not know where they are or what time it is, reflecting their isolation and lack of freedom. They may also be disconnected from reality, a result of manipulation and coercion.