The lack of empirical evidence regarding the physical and psychological effects of human trafficking and how to care for survivors presents challenges for primary care and mental health care practitioners (1). Often, clinicians are unaware of the problem and fail to recognize vulnerable, marginalized victims of human trafficking (2). Further, when victims are referred for treatment, the health care system often cannot provide the holistic approach they may require. Thus, research to define optimal strategies to identify and care for human trafficking victims is crucial (3). We believe that a public health paradigm that considers the social and structural determinants of human trafficking will help providers respond to the substantial challenges that caring for victims presents. It also will present opportunities to aid in prevention, provide awareness and education, improve policies, and address upstream factors, including prior exposure to trauma as well as economic, social, and legal barriers ...
Language: en
LA - en SN - 0003-4819 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.7326/M18-0357 ID - ref1 ER -