Identification Of Trafficking Victims Research Articles

Improving Sex Trafficking Victim Identification: Indicators of Trafficking in Online Escort Ads

ABSTRACT Although law enforcement and researchers have shared certain escort ad characteristics to detect sex trafficking, such as looking “young” or specific language cues, these indicators do not necessarily predict trafficking when tested against the counterfactual. We examined over 250 indicators in 1,263 ads from four states for which case outcomes were known (positive and negative for trafficking) and held focus groups and individual interviews with trafficking survivors, investigators, and non-trafficked sex workers on indicator meanings and ad posting practices. Language signaling a provider is trustworthy, use of an obscured phone number, language suggesting youth, and specification of the provider’s ethnicity were statistically significant predictors of trafficking. Additionally, and importantly for practice, photos in which the subject “appears young” or that displayed visible tattoos were associated more often with ads that did not belong to a trafficking case than ads related to trafficking. Results could be readily applied in practice to increase precision in victim identification, allowing shifts in resource allocation to cases most likely associated with trafficking. Policy recommendations to improve laws governing advertising websites are also made.

Migration, Exploitation, and Human Trafficking Among High-Risk Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Individuals in Cape Town: A Case Study

ABSTRACT Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals and migrants are at risk for human trafficking, yet patterns of migration and exploitation among TGNC individuals are not well documented. This case study examined the experiences of migration and exploitation in a subsample of 27 TGNC individuals from a larger study of 665 high-risk adults in Cape Town, South Africa. The main variables of analysis are derived from a version of the Trafficking Victim Identification Tool, which includes quantitative and qualitative responses. Twenty-six participants (96%) reported at least one potential indicator of exploitation in their lifetime. In the past 12 months, ten participants indicated that someone had withheld payments from them or taken the payment they should have been paid. Half (n=13) of the South African born participants discussed internal migration in their qualitative responses without migration specific prompting. Participants described difficult lives that included childhood abuse, unstable housing, economic marginalization, internal migration, and elements of labor and sexual exploitation – much of which was driven by transphobic and intersectional discrimination and stigma. Our findings shed light on the vulnerability of TGNC individuals and emphasize the need to include TGNC voices in all research and interventions addressing human trafficking.

Identification work: Ambivalence, qualms and resistance in social workers’ identification of trafficking victims

Social workers play a pivotal part in the implementation of human trafficking policies, not least in identification of victims. When assessing who is and who is not a trafficking victim, boundaries are drawn between different groups of people and the human trafficking definition is operationalised. However, the actual practice of trafficking identification has not been sufficiently explored. Based on 12 qualitative interviews with social workers in Norway and taking an institutional ethnographic approach, I argue that a framing of identification as identification work underlines the ongoing assessments and actions that comprise identification, as well as ethical tensions in social workers’ identification practice.

Sex trafficking screening and intervention in the emergency department: A scoping review.

IntroductionHuman sex trafficking is a global public health crisis. Emergency departments (EDs) are important access points for trafficked persons who seek medical care. However, because of victims’ hesitancy to disclose their situation and health care practitioners' lack of training and institutional protocols, many trafficked persons go unrecognized.MethodsWe performed a scoping review of current literature. PubMed, SCOPUS, and reference lists were searched to identify articles for inclusion. We aimed to identify gaps in knowledge and shortcomings to assist this vulnerable population. Two reviewers independently screened literature search results and abstracted data from included studies. Descriptive analysis was conducted.ResultsWe selected and analyzed 23 studies that focused on adult human sex trafficking identification, screening, interventions, or education in the ED. Eight (35%) of the publications used a survey model to quantitatively assess outcomes. Many of the other publications were descriptive or qualitative in nature, with some using a structured interview approach. We have observed that no validated or consistent screening tool exists for the identification of possible adult trafficked patients in the ED. However, we found that educational interventions and screening tools can improve health care practitioners’ confidence, victim identification, and knowledge of “next steps” for victims.ConclusionsWe found that most ED clinicians and staff have little or no formal training in sex trafficking victim identification, support, institutional protocols, or available local resources. Our review demonstrates a paucity of formal training programs, validated adult screening tools, and standardized institutional protocols to aid in the care of trafficked patients in the ED.

Validation of a screening tool for labor and sex trafficking among emergency department patients.

ObjectivePatients with labor and sex trafficking experiences seek healthcare while and after being trafficked. Their trafficking experiences are often unrecognized by clinicians who lack a validated tool to systematically screen for trafficking. We aimed to derive and validate a brief, comprehensive trafficking screening tool for use in healthcare settings.MethodsPatients were randomly selected to participate in this prospective study based on time of arrival. Data collectors administered 5 dichotomous index questions and a reference standard trafficking assessment tool that requires 30 to 60 minutes to administer. Data collection was from June 2016 to January 2021. Data from patients in 5 New York City (NYC) emergency departments (EDs) were used for tool psychometric derivation, and data from patients in a Fort Worth ED were used for external validation. Clinically stable ED adults (aged ≥18 years) were eligible to participate. Candidate questions were selected from the Trafficking Victim Identification Tool (TVIT). The study outcome measurement was a determination of a participant having a lifetime experience of labor and/or sex trafficking based on the interpretation of the reference standard interview, the TVIT.ResultsOverall, 4127 ED patients were enrolled. In the derivation group, the reference standard identified 36 (1.1%) as positive for a labor and/or sex trafficking experience. In the validation group, 12 (1.4%) were positive by the reference standard. Rapid Appraisal for Trafficking (RAFT) is a new 4‐item trafficking screening tool: in the derivation group, RAFT was 89% sensitive (95% confidence interval [CI], 79%–99%) and 74% specific (95% CI, 73%–76%) and in the external validation group, RAFT was 100% sensitive (95% CI, 100%–100%) and 61% specific (95% CI, 56%–65%).ConclusionsThe rapid, 4‐item RAFT screening tool demonstrated good sensitivity compared with the existing, resource‐intensive reference standard tool. RAFT may enhance the detection of human trafficking in EDs. Additional multicenter studies and research on RAFT's implementation are needed.

Histories of trauma: A qualitative analysis of lifetime traumatic experiences among emergency department patients.

Emergency medicine clinicians are excellent at identifying and treating physical trauma as a chief complaint, but are often unaware of patients' previous experiences of trauma. The purpose of this study was to describe emergency department (ED) patients' lifetime experiences of trauma. The investigative team used framework analysis to examine 1,282 participants' open-ended responses to the Vera Institute's Trafficking Victim Identification Tool questions. Of these, 204 participants were found to have experienced at least one form of trauma; none of these participants were assessed positive for a human trafficking experience. From 204 participants, 343 instances of trauma were recorded and analyzed. Of the 204 patient-participants who reported trauma, 96 experienced one form of trauma and 108 experienced two or more. Three major themes emerged: work trauma (experiences of trauma originating in the workplace), coercion (being manipulated into activities), and trauma connections (some forms of trauma were commonly experienced with other kinds of trauma). A fourth, less prominent, theme was disclosure as witness (participants witnessing trauma). ED patients have experienced many forms of lifetime trauma and, in this study, were willing to share about their experiences while in the acute care setting. Given the common experience of trauma among the ED patients in this investigation, more work is needed to examine if and how trauma-informed care principles should be employed in the ED. Additionally, the ED may be an underutilized data source for researchers seeking participants with experiences of trauma and/or a point of connection for trauma survivors to be linked to trauma care services.

Learning from child welfare case narratives: A directed content analysis of indicators for human trafficking

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to facilitate commercial sex, labor, involuntary servitude, peonage debt bondage, or slavery. Youth within the child welfare system are considered to be at risk for sex trafficking victimization. Additionally, the experiences of youth in the child welfare system, particularly abuse and neglect, have been identified as risk factors for youth sex trafficking. One way to further address human trafficking is by understanding what vulnerabilities may put individuals at risk of being a victim of human trafficking. This study analyzed indicators that are believed to increase the risks for sex trafficking among youth in the child welfare system. A qualitative directed content analysis was conducted to analyze child welfare case narratives (N = 167) to examine the extent to which common vulnerability factors for human trafficking (e.g., trading sex for things of value, unwanted physical contact, previous sexual abuse) were present in substantiated child welfare cases flagged for human trafficking. A total of 75 unique items across 10 assessments were used to create the deductive codebook based on existing human trafficking screening tools (e.g., Trafficking Victim Identification Tool, Adult Trafficking Screening Tool). Findings demonstrated that although there was wide variance across narratives, sexual abuse and sex exchange were the most common vulnerability factors expressed in the case intake narratives. Further, the vast majority of screening variables were not represented in the narratives. These findings call for the use of standardized screening tools, as well as a universal definition of human trafficking, in the child welfare system.

Mixed migration flows into Europe: discharging state anti-trafficking obligations through the proper identification of trafficking victims

The mixed migration flows continuously moving towards Europe test the social stability and sustainability of European states, thus rendering imperative the adoption and implementation of revised measures and action plans to protect effectively the individuals involved and comprehensively address any criminality relating to this movement. Most of these displaced persons are bearers of rights, triggering state obligations, with some belonging to the category of human trafficking victims, and as such entitled to a special protection regime. Part 1 explores the challenges European states face in fulfilling the core anti-trafficking obligations, within the specific context of the current mixed migration flow, arguing that identification is the cornerstone for the successful discharge of all these obligations, as well as the most challenging task in the current 'migrant crisis' context. Part 2 then endeavours to establish some clearer parameters for the identification of trafficking victims, who qualify as such at the outset, as well as to delineate some indicators of vulnerable individuals, who can potentially become trafficking victims after arrival.

Mixed migration flows into Europe: discharging state anti-trafficking obligations through the proper identification of trafficking victims

The mixed migration flows continuously moving towards Europe test the social stability and sustainability of European states, thus rendering imperative the adoption and implementation of revised measures and action plans to protect effectively the individuals involved and comprehensively address any criminality relating to this movement. Most of these displaced persons are bearers of rights, triggering state obligations, with some belonging to the category of human trafficking victims, and as such entitled to a special protection regime. Part 1 explores the challenges European states face in fulfilling the core anti-trafficking obligations, within the specific context of the current mixed migration flow, arguing that identification is the cornerstone for the successful discharge of all these obligations, as well as the most challenging task in the current 'migrant crisis' context. Part 2 then endeavours to establish some clearer parameters for the identification of trafficking victims, who qualify as such at the outset, as well as to delineate some indicators of vulnerable individuals, who can potentially become trafficking victims after arrival.

Human Trafficking Victim Identification, Assessment, and Intervention Strategies in South Texas Emergency Departments

IntroductionHuman-trafficking victims seek assistance for health issues in emergency departments. This point of contact provides an opportunity for screening and identification of the victim’s situation, enabling intervention. MethodsThis descriptive research study was designed to identify whether a standard protocol is currently used to identify, assess, and intervene for human-trafficking victims in 47 south Texas counties. ED leaders were surveyed using a sequential set of strategies including online, e-mail, and/or phone surveys to identify the methods used in emergency departments screening for adult and child human-trafficking victims. ResultsResearchers surveyed 99 emergency departments in south Texas, which includes 21 counties bordering Mexico. Twenty-seven ED leaders responded (27.3%). Despite being located in an area with high rates of human trafficking, these leaders stated that few trafficking victims were identified in 2017. Eleven (40.7%) of the responding emergency departments specifically screened adults for human trafficking, and 10 (37.0%) specifically screened children for human trafficking. A variety of methods were used by each of these emergency departments to identify human-trafficking victims. DiscussionThe failure to recognize human-trafficking victims prevents assessment of the victim’s status and further delays referral to appropriate resources. Barriers to screening for human trafficking included lack of awareness of the human-trafficking experience, need for clinical education related to evidence-based protocols, and need for validated screening instruments and standardization of processes that promote action and provide victim assistance.

Exploring the relationship between domestic minor sex trafficking myths, victim identification, and service provision

BackgroundThe onus of sex trafficking victim identification currently falls to professionals in youth-serving organizations. Accurate identification of domestic minor sex trafficking victims (DMST) and subsequent delivery of services can be impeded by common myths related to human trafficking. ObjectiveDetermine if human service professionals understand the difference between myths and facts pertaining to sex trafficking and if their knowledge affects subsequent service provision. Participants and settingProfessionals (n = 69) represented youth-serving organizations from a large metropolitan city in the Southwestern United States. MethodsData was collected in a cross-sectional survey from March 2016 to April 2016. ResultsA minority of professionals working in youth-serving organizations believed DMST myths, though administrators most commonly believed the myth that force, fraud, or coercion are required in DMST. Most professionals could not provide an accurate number of victims identified and felt their organizations would benefit from further training. A statistically significant relationship (p < .05) was observed between the belief that “elements of physical force, restraint, bondage, and/or violence” must be present in DMST and participants’ ability to identify victims served by their organizations in a given year. Organizations reported that they failed to provide services requested by DMST victims. ConclusionsThe persistence of DMST myths likely hampers victim identification and tailored service delivery. Cross-sector collaborations are needed to ensure victims’ needs are met. Trainings are needed that cover the legal definitions of domestic minor sex trafficking and victim identification and train on accurate identifiers. Training initiatives should include survivors to ensure practices are trauma-informed.

Screening for human trafficking among homeless young adults

Human trafficking is a public health issue affecting homeless young adults across the United States; however, screening tools for trafficking specifically for this population are lengthy and onerous. The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive, brief, and user-friendly trafficking screening tool for homeless young adults. Five candidate items for the screening tool were identified from the Vera Institute's Trafficking Victim Identification Tool (TVIT). Study participants were asked the five candidate items, and then received a trafficking assessment using the Human Trafficking Identification and Measurement (HTIAM-14), which is validated for the homeless youth population. A multivariable logistic model was used to analyze the five candidate items in relation to a trafficking experience on the longer HTIAM-14. Homeless people, aged 18 to 22 years old, receiving support from Covenant House New Jersey were eligible to participate in the study. Over 15 months in 2015–2017, 340 trafficking assessments were performed for 307 participants; 8.8% (30) of the assessments revealed a human trafficking experience. Of assessments identifying a trafficking experience, 66.7% (20) found sex trafficking and 46.7% (14) labor trafficking, with 16.7% (5) demonstrating both forms of trafficking. We validated a new screening tool, Quick Youth Indicators for Trafficking (QYIT). QYIT allows providers to screen for trafficking among homeless young adults; an affirmative answer to at least one QYIT question is 86.7% sensitive and 76.5% specific in identifying a trafficking experience. QYIT is the first highly sensitive, comprehensive trafficking screening tool that is truly brief and does not require a trafficking expert to administer. Use of QYIT at appropriate agencies will enable social service providers to systematically detect and serve homeless young adults who have labor and/or sex trafficking experiences.

137EMF A Trafficking Screening Tool Validation Study

As human trafficking becomes more commonly understood as a health problem and emergency departments (ED) recognize their potentially unique role in serving patients who have been trafficked, care institutions seek to improve their ability to identify patients in trafficking situations. Importantly, many studies and case reports demonstrate that labor trafficking is a major form of exploitation, but assessments for sex trafficking is the main focus of health care institutions. This biases which patients victimized by trafficking have the opportunity to seek assistance in the ED. To date, there is no validated labor and sex trafficking screening tool for use in health care settings. In this multi-site study, we are developing and validating a short screening tool so that screeners do not have to be experts in identifying trafficking to successfully, systematically screen ED patients for labor and/or sex trafficking. This investigation, at 3 EDs in New York City and 1 in Fort Worth, Texas, tests dichotomous questions against the gold standard, the Vera Institute's Trafficking Victim Identification Tool, using a sample of randomly selected, clinically stable, ED patients. The sensitivity of these questions will be evaluated and psychometrically assessed to determine the best short tool for clinical use. At the end of May 2018, 1,286 participants (expected enrollment 3,000) have completed the interview, with 1.82% screening positive for a trafficking experience, according to federal law. Preliminary results will be shared, and methodology of validation plan discussed. The development and validation of a user-independent, short screening tool that allows clinicians to identify labor and sex trafficking will contribute to EDs responsibly serving victimized community members.

Identifying Human Trafficking Victims on a Psychiatry Inpatient Service: a Case Series.

Human trafficking is a serious and prevalent human rights violation that closely intersects with mental health. Limited empirical attention has been paid to the presentations and identification of trafficking victims in psychiatric settings. The primary goal of this paper is to describe the varied presentations of trafficking victims on an urban inpatient psychiatric unit. A literature review was conducted to identify relevant empirical articles to inform our examination of cases. Adult inpatient cases meeting criteria for known or possible human trafficking were systematically identified and illustrative cases were described. Six cases were identified including one male and five females. Two had been labor trafficked and four were suspected or confirmed to have been sex trafficked. The cases demonstrated a tremendous diversity of demographic and psychiatric identifying factors. These cases indicate the importance of routinely screening for trafficking victims in inpatient psychiatry settings. Identification of cases is a requisite step in providing informed and evidence-based treatments and enabling the secondary prevention of re-exploitation. Additional research is warranted given the limited current empirical research on this topic area.

Validation of a standard forensic anthropology examination protocol by measurement of applicability and reliability on exhumed and archive samples of known biological attribution

Forensic anthropology makes an important contribution to human identification and assessment of the causes and mechanisms of death and body disposal in criminal and civil investigations, including those related to atrocity, disaster and trafficking victim identification. The methods used are comparative, relying on assignment of questioned material to categories observed in standard reference material of known attribution. Reference collections typically originate in Europe and North America, and are not necessarily representative of contemporary global populations. Methods based on them must be validated when applied to novel populations. This study describes the validation of a standardized forensic anthropology examination protocol by application to two contemporary Brazilian skeletal samples of known attribution. One sample (n=90) was collected from exhumations following 7–35 years of burial and the second (n=30) was collected following successful investigations following routine case work. The study presents measurement of (1) the applicability of each of the methods: used and (2) the reliability with which the biographic parameters were assigned in each case. The results are discussed with reference to published assessments of methodological reliability regarding sex, age and—in particular—ancestry estimation.

Human Trafficking Victim Identification: Should Consent Matter?

Human Trafficking Victim Identification: Should Consent Matter?

Limitations in Research on Human Trafficking*

AbstractIn this article I point to some common pitfalls and particular challenges in research on human trafficking. I start out by presenting some of the challenges in identifying observable populations and behaviours, arguing that primary data collection in the trafficking field should focus on former victims, and not current victims or persons at risk. Thereafter I discuss some of the factors that have inhibited the development and use of explicit operational definitions of trafficking. Third, I present some of the challenges in identification of trafficking victims, when the victims themselves do not want to identify with the trafficking label. Finally, the usefulness of different research strategies in the trafficking fields for the current knowledge‐needs is discussed.The article concludes that there will always be some limitations and biases in empirical research in the trafficking field. However, as long as we acknowledge these limitations and make them explicit in our research, sound empirical research that enhances our knowledge in this field is possible. The best potential for good quality research lies in small‐scale, thematically focused empirical studies, while attempts to describe worldwide trafficking across regions and arenas is less likely to be successful.