Focus On: Human Trafficking

Page reviewed and updated: January 2, 2024

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as “the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” While there are many misconceptions, it’s important to remember that human trafficking can occur in any community to any person of any age, race, gender, or nationality. Nurses are on the front lines of health care and we have a responsibility to stay informed on this global issue so that we can recognize victims, collaborate with law enforcement and other professionals, and ensure safe and effective care.
 

CE COLLECTION: Human Trafficking

NCPD Human Trafficking
Earn 5 contact hours!
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Learn to differentiate the two broad types of human trafficking, identify how to report human trafficking, list resources for victims, and more.

RELATED READING

Nurses' Ability to Identify Human Trafficking Victims
Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, May/June 2023

Education Improves Emergency Department Providers' Knowledge of Human Trafficking
Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal, April/June2023

NCPD Confusing Terms: A Concept Analysis of Naming Youth Trafficking
Journal of Forensic Nursing, July/September 2022

Sex Trafficking: A Literature Review With Implications for Health Care Providers
Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal, July/September 2022

NCPD Human Trafficking in Rehabilitation: What Nurses Need to Know
Rehabilitation Nursing Journal, January/February 2022

NCPD Mental Health Problems Among Youth Experiencing Sex Trafficking 
Nursing2021, March 2021
 
NCPD Child Labor Trafficking Essentials for Forensic Nurses
Journal of Forensic Nursing, October/December 2020
 
NCPD Child Trafficking Victims in Pediatric Surgical Environments: Implications for Nursing Care and Advocacy
Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing, October/December 2020