What to do when a human trafficking victim is identified

Warning - Do not approach the trafficker directly

After identifying a victim of human trafficking, the nurse with other health care providers should develop a plan of care that addresses the physical, psychosocial and safety needs of the patient (Hodge, 2014). It may be necessary to consult with health professionals involved in the treatment of physical injuries and diseases, mental health professionals and law enforcement officers of the courts. Health care institutions should have a plan in place for nurses and other front line healthcare providers with names of contact individuals to assist in executing legal orders of protection and providing shelter for the victims.

• Follow any institutional protocols that have been developed for responding to human trafficking victims. Contact your supervisor if you are in doubt.
• If you suspect a threat of immediate harm to a victim, notify security or police stationed in your facility. Otherwise, call 911.
• If the patient is a minor, carry out mandatory state reporting laws and institutional policies for child abuse.
• If there is no immediate danger to victims, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) hotline at 888-3737-888. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline has available the names, locations and contact numbers of local resources.
• Talk with the patient about options for services, reporting, and resources.
• Provide the patients with the NHTRC hotline number – they may need to memorize it if they feel it is dangerous to have something on their person.
• Take extra care in documenting the patient’s injuries in the patient’s record. This information could be valuable in a court case against the trafficker. Know your state’s definition of trafficking.
• Include safety planning in the discharge process.

Safe Harbors for trafficked victims

States vary in the degree of safe harbor and supportive procedures afforded trafficking victims.  Safe harbor laws include legal protections and provision of services including housing.  The Polaris project recommends and evaluates states on their establishment of the following services;

• Protection for sex trafficked minors
• Providing victim assistance – services should include medical and psychological treatment, housing, job training and legal services
• Helping with access to civil damages
• Immunity from prosecution and vacating convictions for sex trafficking victims

Some states offer a protective approach mostly for children.  Other states provide services for all victims. Check your state’s laws from the links provide on the Your state law page.  For additional information or assistance, please contact Polaris at policy@polarisproject.org.

Victims of trafficking will have long term physical and psychosocial consequences from the abusive and restrictive experiences they have had.  They will need as much support and information as possible to help them through these difficult times (Dell et al, 2017).

Resources/Referrals

• Ahn, R., Alpert, E.J., Purcell, G., Konstantopoulos, W M, McGahan, A., Cafferty, E.,et al. (2013). Human trafficking: review of educational resources for health professionals. Am J Prev Med. 44(3):283-9.
• Department of Justice Human Trafficking Office: 1-888-428-7581Federal Bureau of Investigation, Investigative Programs, Crimes Against Children: http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cid/cac/crimesmain.htm
• Health, Education, Advocacy, Linkage: Because human trafficking is a public health issue   https://healtrafficking.org/
• Grace, A. M.et al (2014). Educating health care professionals on human trafficking. Pediatr Emerg Care. 30(12), 856-61.

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