January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month , an opportunity to raise awareness on how we can all prevent and respond to human trafficking. Our theme for Human Trafficking Prevention Month 2023 is Partner to Prevent, highlighting the importance of partnerships and collaboration in strengthening anti-trafficking efforts. When we #Partner2Prevent, we can stop human trafficking before it happens and provide access to critical services for survivors.
This week, we are spotlighting healthcare and behavioral healthcare providers and their critical responsibility to provide appropriate medical and mental healthcare to patients who have experienced human trafficking and prevent trafficking among those at risk. Additionally, healthcare administrators, procurement professionals, suppliers, and other decision-makers in the healthcare and public health sector may be positioned to address forced labor concerns in supply chains through product procurement and labor contracting practices. Below are tailored resources that, coupled with other foundational resources , healthcare and behavioral healthcare providers can use to strengthen their support for those in their care at risk for, currently experiencing, or who have experienced human trafficking.
Providing Services to People Who Have Experienced Human Trafficking
- The Core Competencies for Human Trafficking Response in Health Care and Behavioral Health Systems help healthcare and behavioral health practitioners identify and provide services to patients at risk for and who have experienced human trafficking through diverse partnerships, delivery of specialized training and resources, and rigorous training evaluation.
- In “Mental Health Resources for Human Trafficking Survivors and Allies,” OTIP Director Katherine Chon overviews how unmet mental health needs may increase the risk for human trafficking and provides related resources.
- SOAR for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners trains sexual assault nurse examiners and sexual assault forensic examiners on how to identify trafficking through interviewing and physical assessment.
Addressing the Intersection of Human Trafficking and Substance Use Disorders
- Peer Support Groups for Individuals Who Have Experienced Human Trafficking and Substance Use Disorder Exploratory Brief explores how providers and practitioners can use peer support groups to enhance services for people who have experienced trafficking and substance use disorder.
- In their Recommendations on Services for Survivors with Substance Use Disorders , Class 2 of the Human Trafficking Leadership Academy discuss how service providers can improve their support of human trafficking survivors who are struggling with substance use and/or co-occurring disorders.
- SOAR Working with Individuals with Substance Use and/or Co-Occurring Disorders teaches providers about the intersection between substance use, co-occurring disorders, and human trafficking, including potential indicators and different treatment options.
- In “Supporting Individuals at the Intersection of Human Trafficking and Substance Use,” OTIP Director Katherine Chon discusses the relationship between human trafficking and substance use and how to best support people at this intersection.
Preventing Forced Labor in Health and Public Health Supply Chains
- The Federal Statutory and Regulatory Framework on Forced Labor in Healthcare and Public Health Supply Chains information memorandum explains how forced labor occurs in healthcare and public health supply chains, overviews relevant laws and regulations, and compiles relevant policy guidance and additional resources.
- In “Mitigating Labor Trafficking in Public Health Supply Chains,” OTIP Director Katherine Chon discusses examples and federal efforts to raise awareness and mitigate the risks of forced labor, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation that exist in public health supply chains.
Learn more about National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and view additional resources.