Reference no: EM133676572
Assignment Overview
In this module is to frame and focus our exploration and examination of vulnerability within the human trafficking context. January marks National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. An estimated 40.3 million adults and children are trafficked nationally and globally (International Labour Organization, 2017). Human trafficking is "an atrocity that is hiding in plain sight, according to experts tracking the crime. Most victims of human trafficking will seek health care services, which means that [nurses and] physicians-especially those who work in the emergency room, community health centers, ambulatory care clinics and sexually transmitted disease clinics-have an opportunity to intervene" (Rosenthal, 2019, para. 1-2). Swift action is paramount.
Human trafficking remains a national and global public health crisis, occurring "in all 50 states and the District of Columbia [and around the world], according to the American Public Health Association. Grossly underreported, the government estimates that up to 50,000 people are brought into the [United States] each year, and the United States is among the 'top destinations' for human trafficking. In addition, more than 100,000 American children younger than 18 years of age are being trafficked within United States borders, according to the Department of State" (Rosenthal, 2019, para. 3-7). Victims-adults and children-present with uniquely complicated care needs, "often requiring a multidisciplinary approach to address severe trauma and medical needs, immigration and other legal issues, safety concerns, shelter and other basic daily needs, and financial hardship" (National Human Trafficking Hotline, 2021, para. 8).
While human trafficking victims and survivors represent all ages and gender, racial, and ethnic demographics, certain risk factors heighten individual vulnerability, namely, "recent migration or relocation, substance use, mental health concerns, involvement with the children welfare system, and being a runaway or homeless youth" (National Human Trafficking Hotline, 2021, para. 5). Persons of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community are disproportionately affected, and "generational trauma, historic oppression, discrimination, and other societal factors and inequities create community-wide vulnerabilities" (Polaris Project, 2021, para. 1).
Among adults and children trafficked domestically and internationally, infectious diseases represent just some of myriad health concerns. "Infectious diseases play an integral role, not just in the increased risk for STDs, HIV and hepatitis C among victims, but because large outbreaks of deadly diseases can make potential victims more susceptible to traffickers. Conditions such as disease outbreaks [including the COVID-19 pandemic], lack of economic development, migration, conflict, and government corruption enable traffickers to target a steady labor pool for this $150 billion annual enterprise" (Rosenthal, 2019, para. 3-5).
"'Nurses are uniquely positioned to identify victims of trafficking,' said Annette Kennedy, ICN President. 'Over 80% of survivors seek medical care within their first year of being trafficked. It is therefore vital that every nurse is aware of the warning signs and what to do'" (International Council of Nurses, 2021, para. 3).
With a full understanding of the growing global community and public health crisis of human trafficking, answer the following questions:
- Do you feel prepared to spot the signs and symptoms of human trafficking? Explain.
- Do you feel confident to respond to suspicions or reports of human trafficking? Explain.
- Identify one protocol that your employer or clinical learning site utilizes for responding to and referring victims of human trafficking. If no protocol exists, then identify and explain a possible protocol.
- Which educational resources or supports are needed to improve human trafficking detection and response among nurses and other healthcare professionals? Identify and explain at least one resource or support.