Human Trafficking in Children: Myths vs. Reality!
Dena Nazer, MD | September 23 | 11:45 AM-12:45 PM
Topic: Healthcare, Direct Service | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Human trafficking has been increasingly recognized worldwide as a major public health problem. It is a crime based on exploitation of the most vulnerable and marginalized individuals of any community and is a violation of human rights. Children are especially at risk of victimization and may experience considerable physical and mental health consequences. Adding these problems to pre-existing vulnerabilities and adversities makes human trafficking a complex health issue that needs to be addressed by a multidisciplinary team including health care providers. Professionals working with children have the responsibility to screen and report suspected child trafficking and offer services as appropriate. This presentation will focus on what makes children, in particular, vulnerable for being trafficked and how to prevent trafficking in children. It will help the attendees recognize child victims of human trafficking and address their needs in a trauma sensitive approach. It will also focus on what the medical evaluation entails and why it is important in high-risk children to address the health consequences of being trafficked. It will be case based, and attendees will learn from different examples and cases throughout the session.
Presentation Objectives:
· Define human trafficking, specifically in children
· Describe child victims of human trafficking
· Explain the health consequences of human trafficking
· Identify tools for medical providers to use for victim identification and assessment
· Explain the health care needs of child victims