Identifying and Assisting Sexually Exploited and Trafficked Patients Seeking Women's Health Care Services

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medicine
• Sociology

Background:

• Human trafficking is a global issue with an estimated 21 million victims worldwide.
• Women and girls constitute a significant portion of victims, with millions forced into sexual labor.
• The clandestine nature of human trafficking poses challenges in accurate prevalence estimation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To raise awareness among obstetrician-gynecologists about human trafficking.
• To equip healthcare providers with tools for patient assessment and victim identification.
• To guide clinical response and interdisciplinary collaboration for trafficked individuals.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing potential patient presentations, including physical abuse, mental health issues, STIs, and somatic complaints.
• Identifying red flags such as controlling companions, fear, lack of ID, and wounds in various healing stages.
• Suggesting private patient interviews, use of interpreters, and sample screening questions.

Main Results:

• Patients may exhibit physical, psychological, and reproductive health issues indicative of trafficking.
• Specific red flags can alert clinicians to potential trafficking situations.
• Direct, private questioning and thorough examination are crucial for identification.

Conclusions:

• Obstetrician-gynecologists play a vital role in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking.
• Healthcare providers should be vigilant for signs and utilize appropriate screening and examination techniques.
• A comprehensive response involves mandatory reporting, documentation, and collaboration with hospital and community services.