Human Trafficking: The role of Healthcare Professionals in the fight against the trafficking of persons

Human trafficking is a growing public health and human rights crisis, with millions of individuals exploited each year across the globe. Healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to identify and assist victims of trafficking, often serving as one of the few points of contact these individuals may have with the outside world. In this 1-hour CME/CE course, Dr. Suzanne Harrison, MD, provides a comprehensive introduction to recognizing and responding to human trafficking within clinical practice.

The course explores the different types of human trafficking—sexual exploitation, labor trafficking, and organ trafficking—while also examining risk factors, behavioral indicators, and communication barriers that may obscure a victim’s ability to seek help. Learners will gain insight into the immediate needs and long-term challenges faced by trafficking survivors, and understand their legal and ethical obligations to report and respond. Dr. Harrison also introduces trusted tools, clinician resources, and trauma-informed approaches to improve identification and care.

This activity fulfills state-mandated Human Trafficking training requirements for physicians, nurses, and physician assistants in Florida, Michigan, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Educational Objectives

• Define and differentiate between the various types of human trafficking.
• Identify risk factors, warning signs, and behavioral indicators associated with trafficking victims.
• Discuss the specific needs and systemic challenges faced by survivors of human trafficking.
• Access and utilize clinician and social service resources to support potential victims in a clinical setting.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is ideal for:

• Physicians, Physician Assistants, and Nurses in Florida, Michigan, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
• Healthcare professionals working in emergency departments, urgent care, OB/GYN, pediatrics, mental health, and primary care.
• Clinicians seeking to understand their role in identifying and intervening in suspected human trafficking cases.
• Medical professionals aiming to fulfill mandatory CE requirements in Human Trafficking awareness and prevention.

Did You Know?

• An estimated 27.6 million people are currently subjected to human trafficking worldwide. [U.S. Department of State, 2023]
• Up to 88% of trafficking survivors reported encountering a healthcare professional while being trafficked. [Annals of Health Law, 2014]
• Victims are often misidentified or overlooked in clinical settings due to fear, control by traffickers, or lack of screening protocols.
• Florida consistently ranks among the top three states in reported human trafficking cases. [National Human Trafficking Hotline, 2022]
• Use of trauma-informed care has been shown to improve victim disclosure and long-term health outcomes significantly.