65.2 HUMAN TRAFFICKING: WOULD YOU RECOGNIZE IT?

Abstract

In 2018, more than 200 cases of suspected human trafficking were reported, with over 70% related to sex trafficking in the state of Massachusetts. Human trafficking victims often engage with health care professionals, including resident physicians, while under captivity. However, many health care professionals do not feel confident in their ability to recognize human trafficking. While working at emergency mental health departments, staff and resident physicians will encounter youth at risk of being trafficked or active victims of human trafficking. Nevertheless, in the field of psychiatry, we lack formal education on the subject or a standardized assessment for identifying youth at risk or those who may be involved in human trafficking. The objectives of this presentation are to: 1) highlight the need to increase education regarding human trafficking in psychiatry residency training; and 2) identify risk factors and red flags for human trafficking when assessing children in the emergency department. The author will highlight opportunities to build rapport with victims and work collaboratively with other health workers and sectors to build an adequate course of action.