Scene 1

By: Stacey Boswell, RN 10/02/21 COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING (NURS-4304-A1-N) Jessica Granger, MSN, RN, CEN

Scene 2

A picture containing outdoor, person, crowd

Description automatically generated

Human Trafficking  DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE Human Trafficking is a significant issue in the United States.  Human Trafficking is not just a commercial sex act but also involves other types of forced, fraudulent, and coercion labor  ( What Is Human Trafficking? , 2021) .  Thirty million people around the world have fallen victims to human trafficking.  It states by the International Labor Organization that forced labor and human trafficking is a $150 billion worldwide industry  ( Education , 2017) . It is estimated that between 15,000 to 50,000 women and children are forced into sexual slavery in the United States every year.  Those who are forced into trafficking have an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years from the time they entered the trafficking world  ( Trafficking Facts & Statistics , 2020).

This Photo  by Unknown Author is licensed under  CC BY-SA

Scene 3

Time to make a stance to stop HUMAN TRAFFICKING

It is time we, as a nation, stand up for those in need. Those who are forced into human trafficking are usually weak and do not know how to get out of the act or stand up for themselves.  Victims can range from all ages, ethnicity, gender, and nationality.  They are threatened, abused and are told if they tell anyone, they could be harmed, or their families' safety is threatened.  No individual should be forced into such a horrific act of cruelty to benefit another person's financial or personal gain.   This type of modern-day slavery of sexual exploitation and forced labor is a crime, and victims deserve justice.  Those who force this type of cruelty deserve severe punishment.

Scene 4

LET'S STAND UP AS A NATION AND PUT A STOP TO THIS FORM OF MODERN-DAY SLAVERY! There are ways to combat this issue as well as provide the meaningful support and resources if one should endure such tragedy.  A community knows there are risk factors involved in those that are at risk for human trafficking which include runaways, homelessness, poverty and migrants to name a few. Education for prevention is key to these individuals and those around them who could intervene. Educating our healthcare systems to identify red flags with patients who may present as a victim of human trafficking. It has been estimated that up to 88% of those being exploited through human trafficking seek some sort of healthcare services.  Having certain questions be asked during the interview screening of why they are there for the visit.  Asking the individual if they know what city and/or state they are in. Having the healthcare professional be aware of the injury location and if it should be suspicious.  Paying particular attention to the individual who may be accompanying the patient seeking care.  Having that immediate connection for long-term care and follow-up through crisis counseling/life coach is the most important step for recovery and learning to live a life of normalcy. Crisis counselor (life coach) for continual support and therapy for a victim of human trafficking. This level of treatment from a counselor helps in recovery and stability in a victim's life so they do not fall victim again. Raising awareness to all communities especially smaller rural communities is a necessity.  Having the available resources for those who are at risk and/or have been victimized that include local agencies, case workers, health care workers and crisis interventions when applicable.  Human trafficking is not going away and the more we as a community know about it, the more we can help prevent an innocent person from becoming a victim.

Scene 5

The Trafficking Hotline's mission is to connect human trafficking victims and survivors to critical support and services to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline offers round-the-clock access to a safe space to report tips, seek services, and ask for help.

Scene 6

1 (888) 373-7888 National Human Trafficking Hotline SMS:  233733 (Text "HELP" or "INFO") Hours:  24 hours, 7 days a week Languages:  English, Spanish and 200 more languages Website:  http://humantraffickinghotline.org

Scene 7

References: Education. (2017). Fight to End Exploitation. Retrieved October 01, 2021, from https://fighttoendexploitation.org/education/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwm9yJBhDTARIsABKIcGaPcPXwFz9pJ0jjskybaQFijkXA_MEwftKB0Dm_CHkPB2R8Gq6HImgaAlxZEALw_wcB The national human trafficking hotline . (2021). Polaris Project. Retrieved October 1, 2021, from  https://polarisproject.org/national-human-trafficking-hotline/ Trafficking facts & statistics. (2020). Together Freedom. Retrieved October 1, 2021, from    https://togetherfreedom.org/trafficking-facts-statistics/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwm9yJBhDTARIsABKIcGbEFafzlshFHt_hIl6WXkjgW4CDF1yHpWwGHtEUaD06_C7NIrtvJH4aAmX-EALw_wcB What is human trafficking?  (2021). Homeland Security. Retrieved September 7, 2021, from  https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-human-trafficking