Human Trafficking (Lisa Fatu, 4/7/2021)

Thanks to Lisa Fatu, director of Youth Crisis Services at Social Advocates for Youth (SAY), who spoke to us this week about Human Trafficking. A video recording of her presentation is available HERE. 

Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act; it is a multi-billion dollar international industry. Human trafficking can occur in any industry, including agriculture, construction, domestic service (housekeeper, nanny), restaurants, salons, commercial sex work, massage parlors, and small businesses. 

Between 2011 and 2018, the Sonoma County District Attorney pursued over 200 cases of human trafficking-- it is certain that many more were events were not reported. SAY provides crisis intervention, food, shelter, trauma-informed counseling, and much more. 

Lisa's goal for Grand Rounds was to teach health care providers how to keep our eyes out for victims of human trafficking-- recognizing that health care settings may be the only outside place where victims are allowed to be seen by their perpetrators. 

Things to look out for that may be indicative of a human trafficking situation:

• 80% of people trafficked are under 23 years old; average age 14
• Most victims are women, but men can also be trafficked
• Be suspicious if you see a young person with another female/male companion who is doing all the talking
• A trafficking victim may have their head down, make poor eye contact, make minimal interaction
• They may not know there address or have a PO Box (many traffickers take victims to clinics away from their home)
• They may not agree to be seen alone, don't want to be left in a room alone
• They may have bruises, burn markings, small cuts on the inner arm/feet (not generally visible without a full exam)
• They may have "branding tattoos" (e.g. behind ear, on neck)
• A victim may be coming only for a vaginal exam, but merit further questioning e.g. "Are you eating?"
• Victims may be particularly scare of needles

Lisa acknowledged that many of these "red flags" have overlap with insecure youth, youth who are inflicting their own self harm, a young person with poor self esteem, mail away brides, etc. Providers must use your judgement if you suspect the situation is not right, and take the next steps.

Things to consider:

• Educate your front desk employees (they are most likely to see who a patient arrives with, notice that they do not know their address, act oddly, etc)
• Always ask for a few moments alone with the patient, have their companion leave the room
• Consider having the patient leave a urine sample so you can see the patient away from the people that accompany him/her
• Have a game plan if you identify someone who you think is being trafficked
• Make relationships with local law enforcement (SRPD, SoCo sheriff's)
• Always make a follow-up appointment to give victim another chance to be offered services
• Consider having "nail cards" that have fake nail ad on them but actually have a phone # where help can be available

Aftercare

Unfortunately, 40% of human trafficking victims will return to their trafficker without intense intervention. Victims need therapy, safe living situations, wraparound services, money (they are used to having things paid for) and family education/services (consistency, monitoring relationships, internet activity, clothing)

Did you know SoCo has a multidisciplinary Human Trafficking Task Force?

For more information, contact lisa at: 707-546-3432 or lfatu@saysc.org

Or see SAY's website: https://www.saysc.org/

Nursing leadership at Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital are currently working on a program to educate employees on Human Trafficking in our community. Let me know if you have questions/ideas. Thanks!