American Journal of Occupational Therapy
Volume 70, Issue 6, 2016

The issue is... role of occupational therapy in combating human trafficking (Article)

Gorman K.W. , Hatkevich B.A.
  • a Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, United States, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
  • b Department of Clinical and Educational Programming, Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program, School of Exercise and Rehabilitation, College of Health and Human Services, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States

Abstract

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery that includes sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and trafficking of children. It is estimated that 35.8 million people are enslaved around the world. Because of the traumatic experiences that victims of human trafficking encounter, the needs of victims are extensive and require the services of several providers, including health care providers, for victims to transform into survivors and thrivers. Currently, the role of occupational therapy is minimal and unexplored. The profession of occupational therapy has the capacity of having a profound role in both providing client-centered care services to victims and survivors of human trafficking and partaking in preventive advocacy efforts to combat human trafficking. Further advocacy efforts are required to promote the profession of occupational therapy in combating human trafficking.

Author Keywords

Professional role Trauma and stressor related disorders Health services needs and demands Human trafficking Occupational therapy

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84990234291&doi=10.5014%2fajot.2016.016782&partnerID=40&md5=103e7cbff55987eb4f2bccce6db4987b

DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2016.016782
ISSN: 02729490
Cited by: 2
Original Language: English