_____________________________ Recognizing and Responding to Human Trafficking in Texas, 2nd Edition
512-424-2211 • Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) 800-252-5400 https://www.txabusehotline.org/Login/Default. aspx National Resources • Coalition Against Trafficking in Women https:// catwinternational.org/www.catwinternational.org • Human Rights Watch www.hrw.org • SOAR to Health and Wellness https://acf.gov/otip/site_search?keyword_ initiatives+soar • HEAL Trafficking https://www.healtrafficking.org/ • Caring for Trafficked Persons: A Guide for Health Providers https://publications.iom.int/books/ caring-trafficked-persons-guidance-health-providers • National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH) Hotline (24/7): 1-888-373-7888 https://humantraffickinghotline.org/ • Polaris Project https://polarisproject.org/ CONCLUSION It is imperative that healthcare providers be educated on how to identify, assess, and respond to victims of human trafficking in order to provide them with the necessary care and support to effectively bring these individuals to safety and facilitate the transition from victim to survivor. Human trafficking poses many health risks, including physical injury, death, and long- lasting psychological damage. In the absence of validated tools to screen for victims of human trafficking, healthcare providers may need to consider implementing universal methods and policies to create a safe environment for all patients. Health- care providers have a unique opportunity to provide essential medical care and information/resources connecting victims with vital supportive services that could be a victim’s first stop toward safety and recovery.
CASE STUDY 1 (continued) Continuing Rebecca’s visit, you are now ready to begin her physical examination. Derek insists he would like to stay in the room during the examination, and Rebecca consents to his presence. He remains standing at the head of the bed dur- ing the pelvic examination. The exam helps you determine Rebecca’s presentation is consistent with an outbreak of genital herpes, and microscopic examination of the discharge reveals trichomoniasis. These are two sexually transmitted infections. Derek seems unusually undisturbed by the diagnoses. You are concerned about Rebecca’s current living situation and would like to question her privately. While discussing the diagnoses with Rebecca and Derek, you inform them that you would like Rebecca to have a urine pregnancy test done before beginning treatment and request that she accompany you to the restroom to provide a urine sample. Derek states he will go with her and wait outside of the restroom. You explain that this is not possible because the route to the restroom passes other patients’ rooms and that this may result in an unintentional disclosure of protected patient information. Derek quickly replies that it is impossible for Rebecca to be pregnant and insists she has been compliant with her oral contraceptives and her periods are normal. Then he begins to question the necessity of the test. You inform them that she will not be treated until the test is complete, and Derek reluctantly agrees. You lead Rebecca to a private conference room and emphasize that everything the two of you discuss will remain confidential. Before continuing, you say to Rebecca, “I have a few concerns and would like to ask you some questions about your current living conditions and situation. Would that be alright?” • What questions would you ask Rebecca to help determine if she is a victim of human trafficking? • If Rebecca discloses that she is a human trafficking victim, what are ways that you could help her? What resources would you provide Rebecca? Who else would you contact/involve in the situation? • How might you respond if Rebecca declines
RESOURCES
WORKS CITED https://qr2.mobi/human-trafficking-2ed
Texas-Specific Resources • Texas Office of the Attorney General humantrafficking@oag.texas.gov 512-463-1646 • Texas Child Protective Services 800-252-5400 • Texas Department of Public Safety, Victim Services https://www.dps.texas.gov/ section/victim-employment-support-services-vess/ victim-support-services
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Book Code: ANCCTX2027
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