Human Trafficking: The Role Of The Healthcare Professional

Background: Human trafficking, also referred to as sexual exploitation, is a widespread problem in the United States. Approximately 80% of exploited individuals in the United States are female. Women’s health providers play a critical role in identifying these women in clinic and providing care for them while they are in captivity and upon their release. Human trafficking is defined as commercial sexual exploitation through force, fraud, or coercion. Traffickers consider these women property that can be continuously exploited. Human trafficking is a serious crime and women’s health problem. Health problems, along with specific signs and symptoms, are common among these female patients. It is the nurses job to identify these women, provide care for them, and assist them with safe resources. 

Case: A 19-year-old female presents to the women's health clinic with a complaint of vaginal bleeding. A history is taken by the women's health nurse practitioner prior to the physical exam with vague answers given by the patient. Upon performing the examination, the nurse practitioner observes that the patient is excessively bleeding from two tears at the vaginal introitus. Upon questioning the patient further, the nurse practitioner discovers this patient is a victim of sexual exploitation. However, the patient is reluctant to talk about it. Arrangements are made for the patient to go straight to surgery with the gynecologist. Upon returning to the clinic for her one-week follow-up visit, the patient is educated by the nurse practitioner about helpful human trafficking resources in the area. The patient declined any assistance and left the clinic. One week later the patient returned with the same chief complaint that she was initially seen for. Once again, the patient returned to the operating room for surgery. Unfortunately, the patient did not keep her follow-up visit with the nurse practitioner. To date, this patient has not been seen again in the clinic. 

Conclusion: In order to help sexually exploited female patients, the nurse must have a basic understanding about human trafficking. Nurses are in a position to help identify and assist victims of human trafficking. Nurses are one of the few professionals who have contact with these women during their captivity. The nurse who is aware of the common risk factors, health problems, and sign & symptoms to look for can identify women who are being sexually exploited.  Otherwise, an opportunity to assist these patients will be missed.

Keywords: human trafficking, sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, women's health