Health-Related Referral Patterns Among Labor and Sex Trafficking Survivors in Los Angeles County, CA

Author: Prabhala, Jahnavi; Levine, Ethan; Rodriguez-Watkins, Rosangela; Lee, Yewon & Stoklosa, Hanni

Abstract: Most human trafficking survivors access healthcare during exploitation and often have significant post-trafficking health needs. Understanding these needs is essential for improving identification and support services. This study examines health-related referral patterns among labor and sex trafficking survivors. This retrospective cross-sectional study used secondary data from a U.S.-based anti-trafficking agency, including client demographics and health-related referrals (medical, dental, vision, emotional/behavioral). The sample included 300 survivors (118 labor, 155 sex, 27 both). Labor trafficking survivors were 2.6 times as likely as sex trafficking survivors to receive dental referrals (p < .05) when controlling for demographics. Labor trafficking survivors received significantly more dental (109%), vision (64%) and other medical referrals (53%) and significantly fewer emotional/behavioral health referrals (66%) than sex trafficking survivors (all p < .01). These referral patterns emphasize the range of health services needed by labor and sex trafficking survivors, highlighting the complex interplay between the type of trafficking, demographic factors, and access to care in the post-trafficking period. This research urges clinicians and anti-trafficking organizations to understand and address the unmet needs of labor and sex trafficking survivors, advancing global progress toward Sustainable Development Goals 8 (decent work and economic growth) and 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions).

Keywords: behavioral health, chronic health conditions, dental care, labor trafficking, sex trafficking, vision care