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. 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 to make an explicit disclosure or refuses to answer any questions? ● Human Rights Watch www.hrw.org ● SOAR to Health and Wellness https://www.acf.hhs.gov/otip/site_search?keyword_ initiatives+soar ● HEAL Trafficking https://healtrafficking.org ● Caring for Trafficked Persons: A Guide for Health Providers http://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 www.polarisproject.org
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 Health and Human Services, 2024). 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. 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 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 during 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 ● Texas Department of Public Safety, Victim Services https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/victim-employment- support-services-vess/victim-support-services 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 www.catwinternational.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. Healthcare providers have Resources Texas-Specific Resources ● Texas Office of the Attorney General humantrafficking@oag.texas.gov 512-463-1646 ● Texas Child Protective Services 800-252-5400
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.
WORKS CITED https://qr2.mobi/HT2E
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Book Code: MTX1325
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