Human trafficking and exploitation: guidance for health workers

What every health worker can do

In all cases, health workers can improve the safety and health of trafficked persons by:

• Being aware of the possibility of human trafficking
• Recognising signs and symptoms
• Broaching the subject sensitively
• Listening and making time
• Checking current safety position
• Giving information and referring on to other services
• Documenting and recording information accurately

Remember – a trafficked person may be a virtual prisoner, so seeing health staff may be a rare opportunity for him or her to tell someone about what is happening.