Focus On: Human Trafficking
Page reviewed and updated:
February 12, 2025
The
U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as
“the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” While there are many misconceptions, it’s important to remember that human trafficking can occur in any community to any person of any age, race, gender, or nationality. Nurses are on the front lines of health care and we have a responsibility to stay informed on this global issue so that we can recognize victims, collaborate with law enforcement and other professionals, and ensure safe and effective care.
RELATED READING
The Effectiveness of a Human Trafficking Protocol in the Emergency Department; A 5-Year Retrospective Analysis
Journal of Nursing Care Quality, January/March 2025
Human Trafficking and the Role of the Case Manager
Professional Case Management, January/February 2025
Development of a Human Trafficking Flowsheet for Clinical Forensic Examiners
Journal of Forensic Nursing, October/December 2024
Improving Nurse Practitioner Students' Knowledge and Confidence in the Identification and Management of Human Trafficking Victims
Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal, April/June 2024
Nurses' Ability to Identify Human Trafficking Victims
Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, May/June 2023
Education Improves Emergency Department Providers' Knowledge of Human Trafficking
Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal, April/June2023
CE Confusing Terms: A Concept Analysis of Naming Youth Trafficking
Journal of Forensic Nursing, July/September 2022
Sex Trafficking: A Literature Review With Implications for Health Care Providers
Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal, July/September 2022
CE Human Trafficking in Rehabilitation: What Nurses Need to Know
Rehabilitation Nursing Journal, January/February 2022
CE Mental Health Problems Among Youth Experiencing Sex Trafficking
Nursing2021, March 2021
CE Child Labor Trafficking Essentials for Forensic Nurses
Journal of Forensic Nursing, October/December 2020
Clinical Nurses: Leading Through the Complexity of Human Trafficking
Nursing Administration Quarterly, July/September 2020
BLOG Human Trafficking – Important Facts, Potential Indicators
Lippincott NursingCenter, January 2020