Health-Care Providers’ Knowledge of Human Trafficking: Implications for Building Service Capacity in a Frontier State

Author: Havig, Kirsten & Mahapatra, Neely

Abstract: Health-care providers are in a unique position to identify and respond to the needs of trafficking survivors, yet research has revealed a lack of training for work with this population. The primary aim of this study was to examine the knowledge and needs of health-care professionals relevant to human trafficking in a frontier context. This exploratory study was also designed to explore capacity for implementing policies and practices that eradicate harmful practices against all humans, particularly women and girls, identifying victims, providing responsive services, and building networks among key professionals. This study also adds critical knowledge to the scant literature available focused on human trafficking response in profoundly rural or frontier areas. A sample of 404 health-care professionals completed an anonymous survey in a predominantly frontier state. Findings point to providers’ commitment to serving victims of trafficking but also highlight the continuing absence of the professional development opportunities needed to equip practitioners for this important role. Results and overall recommendations for improving the knowledge and response of health-care professionals to human trafficking are provided, with an emphasis on capacity building in the frontier context.

Keywords: human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation of children, labor trafficking, sex trafficking, health-care providers, rural health care, frontier state