Page 19
of time • Inconsistencies in his/her story • Tattoo(s), brand(s) or other marking(s)1 When human trafficking is suspected Every situation of human trafficking is unique; it is important to use a victim-centered response. Not all victims of trafficking will be ready to seek assistance, and health care professionals cannot force an adult victim to report the crime of human trafficking. However, if the victim is a minor (under 18 years of age), the provider is legally obligated to contact Child Protective Services.1 Medical providers can provide trafficking victims with information and options, while supporting them through the process of connecting with service providers if they are ready to report their situation.7 If human trafficking is suspected: • Remain nonjudgmental • Observe the body language and communication style of the patient and those who accompany him/her3 • Use plain language; try to use words the patient uses. • Try to interview and/or examine the patient privately at some point during the visit. 3 Ensure the patient is alone when you discuss sensitive issues. • If you are able to interview the patient alone, use simple screening questions (see sidebar box for sample questions to screen a patient who may be a victim of human trafficking). 1 • Find an interpreter if necessary1 • Build a trusting rapport with the patient1 • Document your concern in your notes to ensure it is not overlooked if the victim returns for care or assistance Safety actions to consider: If a patient has disclosed that they have been trafficked, the health care professional should take the proof of human trafficking. However, recognizing the “red flags,” or indicators, can help alert school administrators and staff to a human trafficking situation or another harmful situation. Have unexplained absences from school, or has the student demonstrated an inability to attend school on a regular basis? Suddenly changed his or her usual attire, behavior, or relationships? Suddenly have more expensive material possessions? Chronically run away from home? Act fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous and paranoid? Defer to another person to speak for him or her, especially during interactions with school authority figures (this may include an adult described by the student as a relative, but may also be a friend or boyfriend/girlfriend)? Show signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or other serious pain or suffering? Seem to be deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care, or other life necessities? Have new branding/tattoos? Have a “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” who is noticeably older? Make references to sexual situations or terminology that are beyond age-specific norms or engaging in uncharacteristically promiscuous behavior? The U.S. government supports a victim-centered approach. It funds a national public awareness campaign and a number of nongovernmental organizations that assist victims. The U.S. government vigorously pursues human trafficking cases and prosecutes the traffickers. For a complete assessment of U.S. government efforts to combat trafficking in persons, please visit the Unites States Office for Victims of Crime http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/humantrafficking/.Issue: The United States is one of the largest markets and destinations for human trafficking victims in the world.1 If staff at your health care organization have not yet encountered a human trafficking victim, very likely they will. Knowing how to identify victims of human trafficking, when to involve law enforcement, and what community resources are available to help the individual is important information for all health care professionals. Over a 10-year period (2007-2017), the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) received 40,200 reports of human trafficking cases in the U.S., with the greatest number of reports coming from California (1,305), Texas (792), Florida (604), Ohio (365) and New York (333).2 Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world and is the second-largest source of income for organized crime.1 Identifying and helping victims of human trafficking can be difficult and can further endanger the victim. Most human trafficking victims or their families have been threatened with harm if the victim reveals their