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Human Trafficking in Rehabilitation: What Nurses Need to Know

Franklin, Melissa I. MSN, RNC-OB; Koszalinski, Rebecca S. PhD, RN, CRRN, CMSRN

¹ Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

Correspondence: Melissa I. Franklin, MSN, RNC-OB, Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. E-mail: [email protected]

Cite this article as: Franklin, M. I., & Koszalinski, R. S. (2022). Human trafficking in rehabilitation: What nurses need to know. Rehabilitation Nursing, 47(1), 24–30. doi: 10.1097/RNJ.0000000000000356

Rehabilitation Nursing 47(1):p 24-30, 1/2 2022. | DOI: 10.1097/RNJ.0000000000000356

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Abstract

Violence and human trafficking are frequently paired and violate human rights. Human trafficking is a complex, global health issue. Trafficking survivors report seeking medical care for women’s services, physical abuse, mental health, and gastrointestinal issues while being held in captivity. However, the majority of healthcare providers are unaware or unprepared to intervene, thus missing the chance to identify victims during these encounters. Rehabilitation nurses are no exception. Trafficking victims may come in contact with rehabilitation nurses because of injuries or chronic diseases caused by trafficking abuse. This article shares human trafficking red flags, victims’ access to services, barriers to identification, and nursing interventions and implications.