Child Abuse and Neglect
Volume 59, 2016, Pages 100-110

The health needs and healthcare experiences of young people trafficked into the UK (Article) (Open Access)

Stanley N.* , Oram S. , Jakobowitz S. , Westwood J. , Borschmann R. , Zimmerman C. , Howard L.M.
  • a School of Social Work, Care and Community, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2 HE, United Kingdom
  • b Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
  • c Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
  • d School of Applied Social Science, University of StirlingFK9 4LA, United Kingdom
  • e Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne 3052, Australia and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of MelbourneVictoria 3010, Australia
  • f Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom
  • g Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, United Kingdom

Abstract

Young people who have been trafficked may have experienced significant trauma and violence but little is known about their health and healthcare needs. This UK study aimed to address that gap. It included a health survey and qualitative interviews with 29 young people aged 16–21 trafficked into the UK from other countries who were recruited through voluntary organisations and children's social services. These data were supplemented by interviews with relevant professionals. Over half the young people had been trafficked for sex work but sexual violence had also been experienced by those trafficked for domestic servitude and labour exploitation. Physical violence, threats, restrictions of liberty and deprivation were also widespread, as were experiences of physical and sexual violence prior to being trafficked. Five young women had become pregnant whilst trafficked; three were parents when interviewed. Two-thirds screened positive for high levels of psychological distress, including PTSD. Twelve reported suicidal thinking. Whilst some were keen for opportunities to talk to health professionals confidentially and wanted practitioners to treat their accounts as credible, others wanted to forget abusive experiences. Complex gatekeeping systems, language barriers and practitioners who failed to take them seriously limited access to healthcare. Support and advocacy were helpful in assisting these young people to navigate healthcare systems. Health professionals need to recognise and respond appropriately to trafficked young people's often complex mental health needs and refer them to relevant services, as well as facilitating care at later times when they might need support or be more ready to receive help. © 2016

Author Keywords

Health Trafficked healthcare Young people

Index Keywords

health survey human violence statistics and numerical data health service Health Surveys social support physical violence Social Work mental health care qualitative research Mental Disorders Health Services Needs and Demand interview mental disease Young Adult Humans Adolescent Interviews as Topic male female pregnancy prostitution sexual health human trafficking Article Child Abuse adult posttraumatic stress disorder United Kingdom distress syndrome Sex Work Sex Offenses health care system sexual violence threat sexual crime health care need suicidal ideation Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84982244627&doi=10.1016%2fj.chiabu.2016.08.001&partnerID=40&md5=7238c66dea68a9917f9d880aaf3f4da1
DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2016.08.001
ISSN: 01452134
Cited by: 11
Original Language: English