By Sharon E. Chin
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| Can victims of sex trafficking be identified? |
The usefulness of training U.S. healthcare providers to identify victims of human trafficking has long been debated. As ongoing – slim – research reveals more information about shared characteristics and symptoms among victims, the debate is understandable. Are health providers coming into contact with victims? Would the use of current anti-trafficking efforts be most optimized by including training for health providers?
A recent study conducted by Dr. Laura Lederer and Christopher Wetzel, titled “The Health Consequences of Sex Trafficking and Their Implications for Identifying Victims in Healthcare Facilities”, plays an important role in answering these questions.
The usefulness of training U.S. healthcare providers to identify victims of human trafficking has long been debated. As ongoing – slim – research reveals more information about shared characteristics and symptoms among victims, the debate is understandable. Are health providers coming into contact with victims? Would the use of current anti-trafficking efforts be most optimized by including training for health providers?
A recent study conducted by Dr. Laura Lederer and Christopher Wetzel, titled “The Health Consequences of Sex Trafficking and Their Implications for Identifying Victims in Healthcare Facilities”, plays an important role in answering these questions.
While past studies have focused on the trauma and general health of victims found in healthcare settings, Health Consequences extended their reach to include reproductive health issues experienced by female sex trafficking victims. Subjects for the study were drawn from multiple U.S. cities, and were asked about over 200 health issues while they were trafficked. General and dental health, communicable and non-communicable disease, substance abuse, psychological symptoms and disorders, and past exposure to violence were included in the questionnaire.
The study results revealed some surprising results: neurological problems were the most significant physical health issue, and poor dietary health was also a substantial problem. Unexpected issues included problems with cardiovascular/respiratory and gastrointestinal health. Psychological and emotional issues were the most shared symptoms among victims. Alternatively, the expected responses regarding physical, emotional, and substance abuse were present among most of the victims.
What distinguished this study from past literature was the exploration of sexual reproduction issues including: pregnancy, abortion, forced abortion, sexually transmitted infection (STI), miscarriage, and contraceptive use. The data exhibited that the majority of victims from the study interacted with healthcare providers (from performed abortions, provided contraceptives, and treatment of multiple STIs) typically in facilities like hospitals and clinics. Private doctors and Planned Parenthood were also frequented by victims.
Ultimately, Health Consequences has been a compelling study that revealed specific signs and needs victims of human trafficking have while being trafficked. Moreover, the need to include healthcare providers within anti-trafficking efforts has been bolstered.
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Cancer InCytes magazine has published articles about the link between childhood physical and mental trauma and disease.
Trauma & Chronic Disease:
CHILDHOOD TRAUMA LINKED TO CHRONIC DISEASES IN ADULTHOOD
Trafficking as a Public Health Problem
HEAL TRAFFICKING: HEALTH PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION, ADVOCACY, LINKAGE
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References:
Lederer, Laura, and Christopher Wetzel. “The Health Consequences of Sex Trafficking and Their Implications for Identifying Victims in Healthcare Facilities.” Annals of Health Law 23.1 (2014): 61-91. Annals of Health Law – Vol 23 Issue 1. Web. 13 Oct. 2014.
Photo Credit: Holger Ellhard <https://www.flickr.com/photos/holgman/2271335389/>
Written by Sharon E. Chin,
CancerINCYTES
Sharon E. Chin is an MPH candidate at Rutgers University and is Social Media Editor for Cancer InCytes magazine. Her interests are exploring social justice issues through public health lenses.
Study Alert: The Health Consequences of Sex Trafficking and TheirImplications for Identifying Victims in Healthcare Facilities was originally published @ Cancer inCYTES Blog and has been syndicated with permission.
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