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., gender
• Ensure the victim feels safe and comfortable. The primary goals when interacting with a potential victim are to provide quality care, empowerment, and a safe space—not to force the patient to make a disclosure if they do not wish or are not ready to (Geller et al., 2023). Providing a secure and supportive care setting creates an environment that fosters positive relationships between victims and providers and may encourage the victim to be more willing to disclose information about their situation. In order to increase the chances of establishing a positive report and fostering trust between the victim and provider, it is imperative to allow the victim to decide if they would be more comfortable speaking with a male or female provider. Additionally, provide privacy to discuss sensitive topics; utilize interpreter services if necessary; explain the need for a private exam; and explain patient confidentiality policies, including mandatory reporting laws (Richie-Zavalet et al., 2021; Stocklosa et al., 2022). Ask questions respectfully. Asking questions and gathering information from the victim must be done carefully and respectfully so as to not appear judgmental or dismissive of the victim’s situation, as this could irrevocably damage any established rapport and trust the victim has with individual providers or even providers in general (Palombi et al., 2019; Richie-Zavalet et al., 2021; Stocklosa et al., 2022). Examples of appropriate assessment questions are: • Do you feel safe at the moment? ‒ Where do you live? ‒ Who do you live with? ‒ What are your working or living conditions like? • Where do you sleep? Do you have access to food whenever you need to eat? ‒ Has anyone at home or at work ever forced you to do something you didn’t want to do? ‒ Have you ever received anything in exchange for sex (e.g., shelter, gifts, food)? • Has anyone at home or at work threatened you or your family? • Has anyone at home or at work ever hurt you? • Can you leave your job or living situation if you want? Are you free to come and go as you please? • Have you ever been afraid to leave or quit a work situation due to fear of violence or threats of harm to you or your family? • Have your identification documents been taken away from you?
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