A 2005 study from Europe found that 28% of trafficking victims encountered a healthcare provider while they were in custody.
[i] Unfortunately, due to lack of training regarding how to identify victims of human trafficking, none of the healthcare providers
recognized their patients were in fact victims of trafficking. They simply treated the patients and allowed them to continue to serve their "masters". This study points out that there are only 2 professional groups that are likely to encounter victims of human trafficking, law enforcement and healthcare. Therefore, in order for great strides to be made in finding victims while they are in captivity, massive efforts must be undertaken to raise awareness and train those working in these two professions.
At this point, there has been a great deal of time, money and energy placed into training various types of law enforcement officials regarding the identification of human trafficking victims. Unfortunately though, almost no effort is being made to train healthcare providers regarding this modern day form of slavery. The slavery will continue to grow and flourish unless those in a position to spot these victims are taught to do so.
[i] Turning Pain into Power: Trafficking Survivors’ Perspectives on Early Intervention Strategies. Family Violence Prevention Fund in Partnership with the World Childhood Foundation, March 2005.
