Human trafficking: Identification and evaluation in the health care setting
Human trafficking: Identification and evaluation in the health care setting
Authors:
Erin E Tracy, MD
Wendy Macias-Konstantopoulos, MD, MPH
Section Editor:
Robert L Barbieri, MD
Deputy Editor:
Kristen Eckler, MD, FACOG
Literature review current through: Feb 2024.
This topic last updated: Oct 27, 2023.

INTRODUCTION

Human trafficking, also referred to as modern slavery, is a crime that affects nearly every country in the world, regardless of level of economic development. As awareness of human trafficking has evolved, victims have been identified and assisted in leaving exploitative situations within a variety of industries including agriculture, manufacturing, hospitality, health care, domestic service, and commercial sex work. The illegal nature of human trafficking makes it particularly difficult to identify and therefore aid victims. Health care providers have a unique opportunity to assist trafficked persons, as medical visits may be one of the few times they are in contact with individuals in a position to help.

This topic will review the identification, evaluation, and management of persons suspected of being trafficked. Topics specific to sexual abuse and intimate partner violence are presented separately.

(See "Evaluation of sexual abuse in children and adolescents".)

(See "Management and sequelae of sexual abuse in children and adolescents".)

(See "Intimate partner violence: Diagnosis and screening".)

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