Human trafficking usually takes the form of sexual exploitation or forced labor and occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud, or coercion to make the victim perform commercial sex or work. These acts are not only a criminal law violation, but also a public health concern affecting both victims, families, and communities. Traffickers prey on the vulnerable, young, and poor by enticing them with things they need. Vulnerable populations include runaway and homeless youth, domestic violence victims, victims of social discrimination and sexual assault
The presentation focuses on medical entities & the likelihood of a patient victim encounter. Studies have indicated that many healthcare professionals will encounter a victim. The final part of the presentation is the story of a victim who the speaker met in a medical entity. She had the long-term effect of being a trafficking victim.