Healthcare

As a healthcare professional, you have a critical role in recognizing child sexual abuse, exploitation, or trafficking, and the ability to create pathways for your patients and their families to find health and healing. 

Healthcare is in the top 3 points of access for victims and survivors of human trafficking.

69% of trafficked survivors in the U.S. had access to healthcare during exploitation. 

85% of these survivors received treatment for illnesses and injuries directly related to their exploitation.

Most trafficking survivors seen in healthcare facilities are seen in the Emergency Department.

Reclaim13 Wants to Partner With YOU

We offer trainings focusing on human trafficking for healthcare audiences.

Did you know… 

• In the U.S., the lifetime prevalence of sexual abuse or assault through the age of 17 years old is 26.6% for girls and 5.1% for boys. 

• The CDC estimates that in the U.S., child sexual abuse has cost $9.3 billion. 

• According to the CDC, survivors of child sexual abuse are 2-3 times more likely to experience sexual revictimization.

• The majority of females who are sexually exploited have a history of child sexual abuse, especially abuse that is more severe, of longer duration, and started at an earlier age.

There is NO SUCH THING as a child prostitute…

In an adult, force, fraud, or coercion need to be present to qualify as trafficking.  Force, fraud, or coercion DO NOT need to be present for anyone under the age of 18 performing a commercial sex act to qualify the action as human trafficking.   

Mandated Reporting: Under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, all human trafficking of minors is legally child abuse and requires mandated reporting

There are many barriers to self-identification…

•They may not identify with being a victim or being trafficked 

•Shame or guilt 

FEAR of trafficker | FEAR of arrest, deportation, or report to social services 

•Lack of understanding of the healthcare system or their rights 

•Emotional trauma bonding | loyalty to trafficker 

•Lack of trust in others 

Why don’t our patients just tell the truth?

  • Accompanied by a controlling companion

  • Scripted history; history inconsistent with presentation 

  • Unaware of time, place 

  • Older significant other 

  • Tattoos indicating money, sex work, traffickers’ names 

  • School absences, truancy 

  • Change in behavior 

  • Mental health complaints | anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicidal ideation

  • Evidence of delayed care, medical neglect 

  • Multiple injuries in various stages of healing 

  • Frequent pregnancy testing, STIs, abortions 

  • Somatic symptoms 

  • Trauma responses 

  • Malnourishment, poor hygiene 

  • Fear, submission 

FOR PROFESSIONALS BLOG

Children and Youth are especially vulnerable…

  •   Impulsivity

  •   Sexual curiosity

  •   Desire for independence | Conflict with caretakers

  •   Risk-taking behaviors

  •   Peer pressure

  •   High internet, social media use

Screen for and address vulnerabilities…

Prevention and early intervention are key in the fight against child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Know your local resources: Law enforcement, social services, child protective services, mental health, hospitals with pediatric care, sexual abuse/exploitation/trafficking organizations, local children’s advocacy center.