Human Trafficking
“27.6 million people were in forced labor in 2021. Of those, 17.3 million were being exploited in the private sector; 6.3 million in forced commercial sexual exploitation, and 3.9 million in forced labor imposed by a state.“
Human Trafficking
Is a global public health issue
“Trafficking in persons,” “human trafficking,” and “modern slavery” are umbrella terms – often used interchangeably – to refer to a crime whereby traffickers exploit and profit at the expense of adults or children by compelling them to perform labor or engage in commercial sex.
Women, men and children may encounter psychological, physical and/or sexual abuse; forced or coerced use of drugs or alcohol; social restrictions and emotional manipulation; economic exploitation, inescapable debts; and legal insecurities. Risks often persist even after a person is released from the trafficking situation, and only a small proportion of people reach post-trafficking services or receive any financial or other compensation.
Victims of sex trafficking most commonly report physical health symptoms including fatigue, headaches, sexual and reproductive health problems (e.g. STIs), back pain and significant weight loss. Poor mental health is a dominant and persistent adverse health effect associated with human trafficking of all forms. Psychological consequences include depression; post-traumatic stress disorder and other anxiety disorders; thoughts of suicide; and somatic conditions including disabling physical pain or dysfunction.
HOW TO MITIGATE AND PREVENT IT
Together, We Can
Make A Difference
Forensic nurses meet the critical healthcare needs of victims of violence through a patient-centered, trauma-informed approach. They play a vital role in reducing the health impacts of human trafficking.