Recognizing and Responding to Human Trafficking in Texas, 2nd Edition _ ____________________________
• Document the encounter thoroughly. Along with carefully asking thoughtful and respectful questions, documenting the patient/victim encounter thoroughly and using only medically relevant information with necessary supporting details is vital to providing adequate care for victims (Stoklosa & Beals, 2022; Tiller et al., 2020). It is important to state information objectively, avoid subjective phrasing or terms, and be thorough when describing relevant findings on physical exams (potential findings pointing to abuse, complete skin exams, other pertinent details; Stoklosa & Beals, 2022). Lastly, it is important to remember that medical records may serve both medical and legal purposes if the victim seeks legal justice after making a disclosure. • Provide resources and information for victims. Once a victim of trafficking has been identified and a conversation has been started, providers may be appropriately positioned to guide the trafficked person to safety. If the provider is appropriately trained and educated on the considerations regarding helping victims find safety, they may be able to assist with developing a plan to connect the victim with local supportive services to provide safety, housing, and other basic necessities. Providers may also offer assistance in other ways such as offering to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline on behalf of the victim or connecting the victim with a social worker or case manager. Providers may submit tips about potential trafficking cases to the hotline online at https:// humantraffickinghotline.org/, send an email to help@humantraffickinghotline.org, or call 1-888- 373-7888. • Utilize professional interpreters. When working with individuals who have limited English proficiency and/or prefer communicating in a different language, it is critical to have trained and qualified interpreters on hand to help you communicate (National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center, 2022). In the case for a potential trafficking situation, it is important not to use others accompanying the individual, family members or anyone who has a relationship with the individual as interpreters (National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center, 2022). When selecting an interpreter, neutral and trained professionals from accredited agencies should be used, preferably in person; additionally, interpreters should be screened for conflicts of interest (National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center, 2022). If possible, the potential trafficking victim should be asked for their preferences for an interpreter (e.g., sex or age
of interpreter), and should told that they can refuse a particular interpreter if they are not comfortable speaking in front of them (National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center, 2022). Once an interpreter has been selected, a pre-interview meeting should be held in which the interpreter is informed about the risk of hearing traumatic details about the potential victims’ life, is asked to apply a trauma-informed approach, use person- centered language, maintain neutral body language and facial expressions, and translate verbatim all questions and answers (National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center, 2022). • Be aware of mandatory state reporting laws. In Texas, healthcare providers who are concerned that their patient has been trafficked should provide medical care to the patient while also following mandatory state reporting laws and institutional policies regarding abuse to a child, elderly person, or person with a disability, or reporting that a child is unaccompanied by an adult (Texas Senate Bill 571). A professional who becomes aware of child abuse must report it within 24 hours. This reporting duty cannot be delegated and must be made non-anonymously. Health care providers should follow institutional policies for reporting to law enforcement if the patient is in immediate, life-threatening danger but should work with the patient in deciding to contact law enforcement to avoid putting the patient in further danger (Texas Senate Bill 571). In Texas, it is mandatory that health care practitioners report the abuse of those 65 or older and adults with disabilities to law enforcement and/or the Department of Family and Protective Services immediately (Texas Human Resources Code Chapter 48). Victims of human trafficking may not want law enforcement contacted due to concerns for safety of themselves and their loved ones, fear of reprimand for crimes they have been forced to commit, mistrust of law enforcement, stigma and shame with reporting, and the emotional burden of the judicial system (Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, 2024; Palombi et al., 2019). Providers should also offer the patient the National Human Trafficking Hotline number, 888-373-7888, and text number, 233733 and should encourage the patient to call if they want help or to talk to someone (Texas Health and Human Services, 2024). A practitioner can report to the National Human Trafficking Hotline that they suspect an adult (not 65 or older and not disabled) is being trafficked, but they cannot provide identifying information without the adult’s consent.
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