Pediatric Emergency Care
Volume 31, Issue 2, 2015, Pages 144-147

Recognizing victims of human trafficking in the pediatric emergency department (Article)

Becker H.J. , Bechtel K.*
  • a Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, St Barnabas Hospital, Bronx, NY, United States
  • b Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 100 York St, Suite, New Haven, CT 06510, United States

Abstract

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that is rapidly expanding in the United States and throughout the world. It is a crime under both the United States and international law. The child and adult victims of human trafficking are denied their basic human rights and subjected to unspeakable physical and emotional harm. Traffickers exert complete control over their victims and are proficient at hiding their condition from authorities. Healthcare practitioners may be the only professionals who come into contact with victims if they present for medical care. This article will describe human trafficking and its potential victims, as well as guide medical management and access to services that will ensure their safety and restore their freedom. Copyright © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Human trafficking Child prostitution Forced labor

Index Keywords

slavery vulnerable population child safety human epidemiology emergency ward sex trafficking United States Freedom Humans Child Welfare prostitution victim child sexual abuse human trafficking Article diagnosis Child Abuse emergency health service Emergency Service, Hospital medical care practice guideline child care Child

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84922711723&doi=10.1097%2fPEC.0000000000000357&partnerID=40&md5=9f03b6eb93171b0fbff950bf55d5542a

DOI: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000000357
ISSN: 07495161
Cited by: 14
Original Language: English