The Impact of Human Trafficking on Veterans: Increasing Awareness among Veterans and Employees through Education

Author: Papke, Kaite; Ashcraft, Amy; Auger, Jennifer; Carmona Caravelli, Anita; Liu, Shawn; Riley, Emma; Paulsen, Jodi & Chamberlain, Jessica

Abstract: Health care systems serve an essential role in identifying and treating individuals impacted by human trafficking.  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration recognizes that human trafficking is a public safety concern and has intentionally increased awareness of human trafficking and how it relates to Veteran care.  In 2020, the VA National Social Work Program Office, Care Management and Social Work launched a national Human Trafficking Tiger Team to understand the impact of human trafficking within the Veteran community.  Initial Human Trafficking Tiger Team efforts focused on qualitative reviews of existing VA health care services data to identify trends and themes.  A series of three trainings for VA staff including Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Psychologists (PsyD/PhD), Registered Nurses (RN), and Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC) were completed.  A pre and post-test was administered to assess VA staff’s knowledge about human trafficking and the impact on the Veteran community. Upon examination of qualitative review of evidence, formal study is needed to develop programming to address human trafficking in the Veteran community. Further study is needed to understand the prevalence of human trafficking among the Veteran population.  While the VA’s human trafficking initiatives are integral initial steps, additional research remains necessary to identify treatment needs and services gaps. Human Trafficking Tiger Team Knowledge Needs Assessment trainings revealed that VA staff had contact with survivors of human trafficking, suspected victims, as well as traffickers.  38% of staff acknowledged missed opportunities to assess and intervene with potential trafficking victims.  This revealed a clear need for standardized screening, protocols, and implementing routine training to Veterans impacted by human trafficking.

Keywords: human trafficking, veterans, Veteran Affairs, awareness, education