Human trafficking is the modern form of slavery. Annually, thousands of women, children and men of all ages are affected. Trafficking in persons has a severe impact on the health of those affected. In particular, young women are very vulnerable and easily accessible for perpetrators. They are forced into prostitution in their own country or abroad. The soundest knowledge is available in the field of exploitation of women with the purpose of prostitution which is why this article will focus on this phenomenon. The causes are reflected in a complex system of push and pull factors. The health implications are enormous. Not only do the women suffer from sexually and non-sexually transmitted infections but also from the physical abuse caused by the perpetrators. The injuries and trauma often lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Doctors are often the only ones who have contact with those concerned which is the reason why they are responsible for identifying and treating the victims as well as helping them to escape their miserable situation. In the area of trafficking in women and minors for sexual exploitation much research is needed. Furthermore, an extensive education campaign is necessary to sensitize medical health care professionals to this situation. Thus, doctors can handle and use the given diagnostic questions and symptom complexes to identify victims and although medical health care professionals are capable of using and handling diagnostic measures to identify the victims, they are not able to prevent human trafficking. However, they can contribute by identifying victims and supply them with medical services and provide educational work. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.

Stress disorder, post-traumatic Trafficking in persons sex trafficking Women's health care

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