NU-625 Herzing University – The practitioner is working in the urgent care when a young woman comes in with a man who appears to be a much older boyfriend. The woman appears young but states that she is 22 years old.

The practitioner is working in the urgent care when a young woman comes in with a man who appears to be a much older boyfriend. The woman appears young but states that she is 22 years old. Despite cool weather, the woman is dressed in shorts and a t-shirt with a sweatshirt. The man stays close to her in the examination room and answers most of the questions for her. When she does respond, her answers are short and vague, with the boyfriend elaborating on her responses. There seems to be tension between the two, and the man is harsh with the woman.

1. What further assessment should the practitioner perform?
2. Who should the practitioner involve in the care to assist in assessing for human trafficking and in providing support to the woman?

ANSWER

Assessing for Potential Human Trafficking: A Comprehensive Approach in Urgent Care

Introduction

In the scenario presented, a healthcare practitioner working in urgent care encounters a young woman accompanied by an older man who appears to be her boyfriend. Several red flags raise concerns about the possibility of human trafficking. As a healthcare professional, it is crucial to assess the situation carefully, ensuring the safety and well-being of the young woman. This essay will outline the further assessment the practitioner should perform and identify the key individuals and organizations to involve in providing support and assessing for human trafficking.

Assessment and Indicators

Physical Assessment: The practitioner should conduct a thorough physical examination to assess for signs of physical abuse or neglect, such as unexplained injuries, bruises, or scars. Additionally, they should observe the woman’s overall appearance for signs of poor hygiene, malnutrition, or restricted movement that could indicate control or coercion.

Mental and Emotional Assessment: The practitioner should assess the woman’s mental state, looking for signs of anxiety, depression, fearfulness, or signs of trauma, such as emotional detachment or post-traumatic stress symptoms (Treatment, 2014). It is important to create a safe and non-judgmental environment to encourage her to share any concerns or fears she may have.

Social Assessment: The practitioner should inquire about the woman’s social support network, including family and friends. If she lacks a support system or the ability to make independent decisions, it could be an indication of exploitation. It is crucial to assess her autonomy and the degree of control the older man exerts over her decisions and movements.

Background Assessment: Gathering information about the woman’s background, including her educational level, employment history, and previous residences, can provide insights into her social context and potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, the practitioner should ask open-ended questions about her relationship with the older man and the nature of their interactions to further evaluate their dynamic.

Key Stakeholders and Supportive Measures

Nursing and Support Staff: Nurses and support staff play a vital role in identifying signs of human trafficking and providing empathetic care to potential victims. They should be trained to recognize red flags and report their concerns to the practitioner discreetly.

Social Workers: Involving a social worker is crucial to assess the woman’s overall social situation, identify potential trafficking indicators, and provide appropriate support and resources (Viergever et al., 2015). Social workers are trained to work with individuals who have experienced trauma and can offer counseling, safety planning, and referrals to community resources.

Law Enforcement and Legal Authorities: If human trafficking is suspected, it is essential to involve local law enforcement agencies or legal authorities specialized in trafficking cases. They can conduct further investigations, ensure the woman’s safety, and coordinate with appropriate agencies for victim support and protection.

Local Anti-Trafficking Organizations: Collaborating with local anti-trafficking organizations can provide valuable expertise and resources (McAmis et al., 2022). These organizations can assist with victim advocacy, legal support, shelter, and long-term rehabilitation services tailored to the specific needs of trafficking survivors.

Conclusion

Assessing for human trafficking requires a comprehensive approach to identify potential victims and provide the necessary support and resources. The urgent care practitioner should conduct a thorough assessment of the young woman’s physical, mental, and social well-being while remaining sensitive to the signs of exploitation. Involving nursing and support staff, social workers, law enforcement, and local anti-trafficking organizations will ensure a coordinated response to address the immediate and long-term needs of the potential victim. By taking these steps, healthcare professionals can play a critical role in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking, ultimately contributing to their safety, recovery, and empowerment.

References

McAmis, N. E., Mirabella, A. C., McCarthy, E. A., Cama, C. A., Fogarasi, M., Thomas, L., Feinn, R., & Rivera-Godreau, I. (2022). Assessing healthcare provider knowledge of human trafficking. PLOS ONE, 17(3), e0264338. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0264338 

Treatment, C. F. S. A. (2014). Understanding the Impact of Trauma. Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207191/ 

Viergever, R. F., West, H., Borland, R., & Zimmerman, C. (2015). Health Care Providers and Human Trafficking: What do They Know, What do They Need to Know? Findings from the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Central America. Frontiers in Public Health, 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2015.00006