Citation

Roney LN, Villano CE. J. Trauma Nurs. 2020; 27(1): 37-41.

Affiliation

Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, Fairfield University, Connecticut (Dr Roney); and Fairfield University, Connecticut (Ms Villano).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Society of Trauma Nurses)

DOI

10.1097/JTN.0000000000000480

PMID

31895318

Abstract

Human trafficking is the second largest criminal industry in the United States and almost half of the victims are children. This crime against children is referred to as domestic minor human sex trafficking (DMHST). The majority DMHST victims access health care, often at an emergency department, at some point during their captivity. Trafficking of minors has been cited as the most underreported form of child abuse making education on this topic essential for all health care providers to help meet the needs of this population. A case study provides an illustration of a pediatric trauma patient who was a victim of DMHST and presented to an emergency department for care. As nurses who care for pediatric trauma patients in all settings strive to learn more about child abuse, topics in DMHST should also be included in these educational activities.

Language: en