Fellow Nurses: How Can We Help Those Trapped in Human Trafficking?

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Source: MedPage Today

Original: https://www.medpagetoday.com/nursing/nurses-station/119376...

Published: Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:10:01 -0500

Medical facilities are among the few places where trafficked persons can meet someone who can help them.[1] A study looking at health professionals' knowledge of human trafficking showed that respondents got an average of 70% correct answers to questions about the issue.[1] Only 13% of respondents received at least one hour of training on human trafficking in the past year.[1] The main obstacles to the provision of effective health care are insufficient knowledge, absent protocols and unclear procedures for reporting suspicions.[1] Healthcare professionals often worry that reporting without clear policies and procedures could jeopardize victim safety.[1] Experts have identified training and tools for screening and identification as two top priorities for effective assistance to victims of human trafficking.[1] Regular education of students and health professionals could significantly improve the support and treatment of victims of human trafficking.[1]