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Although sex trafficking survivor have limited access to health care, 28% after rescue report having visited a health provider for services during their captivity (most were chaperoned), highlighting the importance of health providers knowing the indicators of survivors of sex trafficking.

The US Department of Health and Human Services indicates that trafficking survivors may suffer from an array of physical and psychological health issues stemming from inhumane living conditions, poor sanitation, inadequate nutrition, poor personal hygiene, brutal physical and emotional attacks at the hands of their traffickers, dangerous workplace conditions, occupational hazards and general lack of quality health care.

Preventive health care is virtually non-existent for these individuals. Health issues are typically not treated in their early stages, but tend to fester until they become critical, even life-endangering situations.

In many cases, health care is administered at least initially by an unqualified individual hired by the trafficker with little if any regard for the well-being of their “patients” – and even less regard for disease, infection or contamination control.

Health issues identified include:

• sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, pelvic pain, rectal trauma and urinary difficulties from working in the sex industry.
• Pregnancy, resulting from rape or prostitution.
• Infertility from chronic untreated sexually transmitted infections or botched or unsafe abortions.
• Infections or mutilations caused by unsanitary and dangerous medical procedures performed by the trafficker’s so-called “doctor.”
• Chronic back, hearing, cardiovascular or respiratory problems from endless days toiling in dangerous agriculture, sweatshop or construction conditions.
• Weak eyes and other eye problems from working in dimly lit sweatshops.
• Malnourishment and serious dental problems. These are especially acute with child trafficking survivors who often suffer from retarded growth and poorly formed or rotted teeth.
• Infectious diseases like tuberculosis.
• Undetected or untreated diseases, such as diabetes or cancer.
• Bruises, scars and other signs of physical abuse and torture. Sex-industry survivors are often beaten in areas that won’t damage their outward appearance, like their lower back.
• Substance abuse problems or addictions either from being coerced into drug use by their traffickers or by turning to substance abuse to help cope with or mentally escape their desperate situations.
• Psychological trauma from daily mental abuse and torture, including depression, stress-related disorders, disorientation, confusion, phobias and panic attacks.
• Feelings of helplessness, shame, humiliation, shock, denial or disbelief.
• Cultural shock from finding themselves in a strange country.

References

Gajic-Veljanoski, 0. (2007). Women trafficked into prostitution: Determinants, human rights, and health needs. Transcultural Psychiatry, 44, 338-358.

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking/campaign_kits/tool_kit_health/health_problems.html