Human Trafficking: Knowledge and Awareness in Nursing Practice

Written by Jeanann Sousou Coppola, E. Renee Cantwell, Debashis Kushary, & Cynthia Ayres

doi: hhttps://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr.2019.0901.0907

Abstract

Background: Human trafficking (HT) is a global, national, and local public health issue with many quantifying concerns, including the identification and care of these individuals. Perpetrators of trafficked individuals target vulnerable populations through force, violence and victimization. Nurses in the clinical setting are in a crucial position to recognize, assess, and refer victims of HT. However, nurses may not be aware of the presence of HT
in their communities or of the signs and symptoms that may alert nurses of potential HT victims.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of nurses’ familiarity of HT, their perception of HT as a problem in their community, and their ability to recognize, assess, and refer potential HT victims for assistance. Methods: A literature review and descriptive cross-sectional study using survey methodology was used to help gain a better understanding of nurse’s familiarity and perception of human trafficking.

Results: Findings of this study have the potential to inform the development of educational interventions to increase identification, assessment, and referral of HT victims who present to the clinical setting for care.

Conclusion: Identification and proper reporting of potential HT victims can be challenging to the healthcare professional because of the perplexing and covert nature of HT. Healthcare professionals are at the front lines in both facilitating the identification of potential victims and treating and referring them to the right resources. Several comments made by the respondents clearly identified the need for HT education related to insufficient
education and understanding of this public health issue.

Keywords: human trafficking, nurse, educational resources, nursing survey results