Resource Library

Trafficking is usually not an individual’s first experience with trauma. This fact sheet describes adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, and their relationship to human trafficking.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)  (PDF)

Individuals who have increased risk factors for trafficking or have experienced trafficking are often not recognized for various reasons. This fact sheet describes individual- and provider-related barriers to identification.

Barriers That Prevent Identification  (PDF)

When first speaking with an individual about potential trafficking, it is important to begin with broad inquiry, using universal education and/or a screening tool. This fact sheet describes considerations for when to use each approach.

Screening and Universal Education: Choosing Your Approach  (PDF)

Universal education and screening are two different ways to identify the needs of someone who may have increased risk factors for trafficking or be experiencing trafficking. This fact sheet provides examples of evidence-based tools that are available for each approach and tips for fostering rapport and safety. 

Different Approaches to the Conversation: Universal Education and Screening Tools  (PDF)

When working with individuals who prefer communicating in a different language, it’s important to have trained and qualified interpreters on hand to help you communicate. This fact sheet details considerations for selecting and preparing to work with an interpreter.

Fact Sheet: Working With Interpreters  (PDF)

When working with individuals who have experienced trafficking, decision-making regarding reporting, service provision, safety planning, and other processes may involve ethical dilemmas. This fact sheet describes the ethical principles and the ethics of working with sensitive information.

Ethical Considerations  (PDF)

A vital component of responding to trafficking is looking beyond your own organization to collaborate across sectors. This fact sheet includes examples of potential community partners and how each partner can support a response to trafficking.

Multidisciplinary Treatment and Referral Team  (PDF)

This fact sheet describes the components of developing and implementing a trafficking protocol, which should include staff training and supports, screening and care coordination procedures, mandatory reporting, multidisciplinary response, follow-up or follow-through procedures, and continuous quality improvement.

Fact Sheet: Protocol Components  (PDF)

Secondary traumatic effects are extensive and can look different for different people. This fact sheet describes secondary traumatic effects, potential symptoms, and strategies that organizations and individuals can implement to mitigate them.

Secondary Effects of Trauma  (PDF)

Individuals who are experiencing trafficking may present with various physical, behavioral, and environmental indicators. While it is critical that service providers consider each patient or client individually, recognizing potential indicators of trafficking may be the first step toward ensuring that the individual receives the care they need. This fact sheet provides examples of these indicators, but it should not be considered a definitive, nor exhaustive, list.