Health Care Providers | National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center

Health Care Providers

Using a trauma-informed, person-centered approach, health care providers identify and respond to individuals who are at risk of trafficking, currently experiencing trafficking, or who have experienced trafficking. Professionals like doctors, nurses, technicians, and pharmacists address an individual’s immediate needs, refer them to appropriate services, and report when mandated. Health care providers need to follow the principles of trauma-informed care in every interaction.

Health care providers may also help develop and implement policies and protocols in their institutions. To do this, coordinate services within your organization and collaborate across other public health sectors.

An individual who has experienced trafficking will likely need a variety of health-related services. Meet their needs by collaborating with specialists and expanding your referral network as needed. For help finding health care providers who have worked with individuals with a history of trafficking, contact HEAL Trafficking or another interdisciplinary network dedicated to ending human trafficking and supporting survivors.

Individual health care needs may include:

Dental care
Broken bones
Sexual assault forensic examination
Substance use treatment
Malnutrition and/or dehydration
Short- and long-term medical treatment, depending on the seriousness of the injury or infection
Treatment for the long-term physical impact of trauma
Optometry

Resources for Additional Information

Health Care-Specific Resources

Baldwin, S.B., Eisenman, D.P., Sayles, J.N., Ryan, G., & Chuang, K.S. (2011). Identification of human trafficking victims in health care settings. Health and Human Rights, 13(1), 36–49. https://healtrafficking.org/publications/identification-of-human-trafficking-victims-in-health-care-settings/
Crane, P. & Moreno, M. (2011). Human trafficking: What is the role of the health care provider? Journal of Applied Research on Children, 2(1), 1-27. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/46715141.pdf
Dovydaitis, T. (2010). Human trafficking: The role of the health care provider. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 55(5), 462-467. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3125713/
Isaac, R., Solak, J. & Giardino, A. (2011). Health care providers’ training needs related to human trafficking: Maximizing the opportunity to effectively screen and intervene. Journal of Applied Research on Children, 2(1), 1-27. https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/childrenatrisk/vol2/iss1/8/
Lederer L.J., & Wetzel, C.A. (2014). The health consequences of sex trafficking and their implications for identifying victims in health care facilities. Annals of Health Law, 23, 61–91. https://www.icmec.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Health-Consequences-of-Sex-Trafficking-and-Implications-for-Identifying-Victims-Lederer.pdf
Mid-Atlantic P.A.N.D.A. (Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness). Mid-Atlantic P.A.N.D.A. training. Retrieved May 21, 2020 from www.midatlanticpanda.org
Sabella, D. (2011). The role of the nurse in combating human trafficking. American Journal of Nursing, 111(2), 28–37. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NAJ.0000394289.55577.b6
Todres, J. (2017). Physician encounters with human trafficking: Legal consequences and ethical considerations. AMA Journal of Ethics, 19(1), 16–22. https://www.choa.org/~/media/files/Childrens/medical-professionals/physician-resources/cpc/md-encounters-with-ht-todres-ama-ethics-2017.pdf
Zimmerman, C., Yun, K., Shvab, I., Watts, C., Trappolin, L., Treppete, M., Bimbi, F.,…Regan, L. (2003). The health risks and consequences of trafficking in women and adolescents. Findings from a European study. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). http://lastradainternational.org/lsidocs/270%20Health%20consequences%20of%20trafficking%20(EU%20study).pdf

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