Child Trafficking Victims in Pediatric Surgical Environments

Implications for Nursing Care and Advocacy

Abstract

Human trafficking is a global human rights violation and emerging public health emergency. Child trafficking (CT), in particular, is both understudied and underreported. Despite the demonstrated need for skilled and knowledgeable health professional interventions, awareness across the continuum of care environments remains low. There is virtually no published scientific nursing literature exploring incidence and impact of CT specifically presenting in surgical settings, although survivor reports indicate an urgent and pressing need for it as victims may be hiding in plain sight within care environments. The purpose of this article is not to provide an exhaustive overview of the definitions, etiology, or means and purposes of CT but to draw attention of pediatric surgical nurses (PSNs) to consider how victims may be presenting for surgical care. PSNs need increased education, awareness, and tools to competently advocate for effective policy development and prioritized research efforts. PSNs should coordinate evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive clinical actions in pediatric surgical care environments.