Multi-Program Interprofessional Educational Event (IPE) 2025

Introduction to the Topic

Content Warning: This page contains sensitive information related to human trafficking. We understand that this subject can be distressing for some.

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Meet the Speaker

Katie Dobson is an Assistant Professor at Roseman University’s College of Nursing. She has been a nurse for 24 years, specializing in obstetrics and forensic nursing. Her Master’s capstone project was on Identification of Human Trafficking Survivors Amongst Healthcare Professionals, and she served for several years as co-chair of the Utah Trafficking in Persons Medical Subcommittee.

Presentation

Human Trafficking Case Study

A young woman, Miranda, shows up at a low-cost dental clinic with an older man. She is wearing a lot of makeup and is very thin, so it’s hard to tell her age. The man checks her in, stating she requires repair of a broken front tooth because she tripped and hit a door frame. He denies having insurance coverage and wants to pay in cash. She has no ID, stating she lost her driver’s license last month, but says she is 18.

When it is Miranda’s turn, the man insists on going back with her. When asked, Miranda states that she broke her tooth biting into an apple, but almost every question you ask is answered by her companion, who says he’s her boyfriend. She keeps her head down and eyes averted. The boyfriend seems to get irritated when you make small talk, saying, “Can we just get on with it?”

As you lay Miranda back in the chair, you notice bruises on her neck and a tattoo that says “Vick’s girl” on her chest. There are track marks on her arms. She has poor oral health, severe plaque buildup and several dental caries are evident in addition to the broken tooth.

Questions

What are the red flag indicators of human trafficking present in this situation?

• Answer

   

  • She is wearing lots of makeup and is very thin.
  • It's hard to tell her age, she has no ID, and she wants to pay in cash.
  • Originally reported that she tripped and hit a doorframe and then later stated she broke her tooth biting into an apple.
  • All questions are answered by companion who claims to be her boyfriend.
  • She keeps her head  down and eyes averted
  • Bruises on her neck, track marks on her arms, scars on her inner writs, and poor oral health.

What would be your initial action?

• Answer

   

  Separate the patient from the accompanying person. Be creative (go into another room for x-rays..) State that you are concerned for her safety.

What kind of questions could you ask Miranda?

• Answer

   

  • Find out her age by asking other questions: “What year did you start high school?”
  •  “Are you from here?” 
  • “Your boyfriend seems to be very controlling and I wanted to talk to you for a minute to make sure you’re safe.”
  • “Do you have control of your own money/ ID?”
  • “Do you have to ask permission to eat, sleep or get medical care/ can you come and go as you please?”
  • “Does anyone hit or threaten you?”

Are you required to report this situation to authorities?

• Answer

   

  If you think that Miranda is under 18, yes, or if she discloses that the broken tooth is from an assault.

What resources/ other disciplines could you reach out to in this situation?

• Answer

   

  National Human Trafficking Hotline for advice. If a social worker is available, get them and/ or the rest of your healthcare team involved. Ask if Miranda has a Healthcare Provider that you can contact (then you are legally allowed to share information), as they may have a social worker.

Resources

National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888

The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe.

Protocol Toolkit for Developing a Response to Victims of Human Trafficking in Health Care Settings

This systems toolkit is designed to help professionals working in health care settings such as emergency departments, hospitals, clinics, private offices, or school based health centers develop a protocol to respond to potential victims of human trafficking who present to their facility. The toolkit presents an ambitious, comprehensive approach to protocol development, portions of which may be adopted for particular contexts based on capacity.  The document is based on existing guidelines and recommendations from experts in this field.

Caring for Trafficked Persons: Guidance for Health Providers

Caring for Trafficked Persons brings together the collective experience of a broad range of experts in addressing the consequences of human trafficking and gives practical advice to help a concerned health provider understand the phenomenon of human trafficking, recognize some of the associated health problems and consider safe and appropriate approaches to providing healthcare for trafficked persons. 

Identification, Trauma-Informed Care, and How Human Trafficking Affects the Victim’s Health

HEAL Trafficking created this three-part training series for the International Organization for Migration, Finland on responding to human trafficking.