Sex Trafficking Awareness among Emergency Department Staff and Healthcare Providers
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Authors
Collins, Sasha
Issue Date
2017-03-24
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Human sex trafficking , Commercial sex trade , Healthcare provider
Alternative Title
Abstract
Human sex trafficking is a major public health problem, both internationally and domestically. Children, youth, and adults, a majority of whom are women and young girls, are sex trafficked into and throughout the United States each day. These victims, who are forced into the commercial sex trade show signs of abuse, malnourishment, and have symptoms including headaches, infections, bruising, broken bones, and potential substance abuse issues. With limited access to healthcare, these victims end up in emergency room departments while still in captivity. Research shows that sex trafficking victims are infrequently identified in emergency departments and in other healthcare settings. Although sex trafficking is a growing epidemic, there is little research to support that emergency room staff and healthcare providers have training on sex trafficking and victim identification.