Citation

Shandro J, Chisolm-Straker M, Duber HC, Findlay SL, Munoz J, Schmitz G, Stanzer M, Stoklosa H, Wiener DE, Wingkun N. Ann. Emerg. Med. 2016; 68(4): 501-508.e1.

Affiliation

ACEP Public Health and Injury Prevention Committee; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas-Houston, Houston, TX.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, American College of Emergency Physicians, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.annemergmed.2016.03.049

PMID

27130802

Abstract

Human trafficking is a significant human rights problem that is often associated with psychological and physical violence. There is no demographic that is spared from human trafficking. Traffickers maintain control of victims through physical, sexual, and emotional violence and manipulation. Because victims of trafficking seek medical attention for the medical and psychological consequences of assault and neglected health conditions, emergency clinicians are in a unique position to recognize victims and intervene. Evaluation of possible trafficking victims is challenging because patients who have been exploited rarely self-identify. This article outlines the clinical approach to the identification and treatment of a potential victim of human trafficking in the emergency department. Emergency practitioners should maintain a high index of suspicion when evaluating patients who appear to be at risk for abuse and violence, and assess for specific indicators of trafficking. Potential victims should be evaluated with a multidisciplinary and patient-centered technique. Furthermore, emergency practitioners should be aware of national and local resources to guide the approach to helping identified victims. Having established protocols for victim identification, care, and referrals can greatly facilitate health care providers' assisting this population.

Copyright © 2016 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en