Human Trafficking and Healthcare: 4 Key Takeaways from Our Talk with Hope Restored Canada
Earlier this year, the University of Saskatchewan chapter of CAMSAHT hosted Hope Restored for a speaking engagement on the intersection of human trafficking and healthcare. Hope Restored is a Canadian based organization that addresses the diverse recovery needs of sexually exploited and trafficked women, trans women, as well as Two Spirit individuals as they exit their lives of abuse. The talk, held by Hope Restored director, Joeline Magill, was a valuable opportunity to hear from a group that works primarily with marginalized and trafficked populations, learning how our role as healthcare providers serves as an important opportunity to support and advocate for trafficked persons within our care.
If you missed the talk, below are 4 key takeaways!
1. “We start with 100% belief”
Joeline Magill, Hope Restored’s director, emphasized the importance of believing the experiences of vulnerable persons in our care. According to trafficked persons Joeline has worked with, lack of trust in the system and stigma are among the most commonly cited barriers to seeking help. “The system has failed them multiple times,” she states. “So many stories of ‘I came to the police. They didn't believe me. I talked to my social worker. They thought I was crazy.’” Because of this, it is important to lend a non-judgemental, open, and safe space for survivors to express their concerns and access resources, despite how alarming or “unbelievable” these experiences may sound. “I always tell people we always act in a way that we believe 100% of what they are saying until we can prove that it is not true. We don't start with trying to prove that it's not true. We start with 100% belief.”
2. Sensitivity and awareness in our language and attitude
Some important ways that providers can demonstrate sensitivity and awareness in regard to patients include our language and attitudes. This includes avoiding the term “trafficked” when speaking with patients, as they may not identify with this term. Mirroring language is an important tool. If a patient refers to someone that you suspect may be trafficking them as their “boyfriend” or “girlfriend,” they should not be challenged on this. “Often they truly believe that they are in boyfriend, girlfriend, relationship with this person, or in a loving relationship with this person,” Joeline states. “So, it's important that we mirror their language and use what they're talking about. ‘Tell me about your boyfriend. Tell me about your manager. Tell me about your family member, that your auntie that does this,’ even though you may be suspecting something.”
3. “Figure out a way to get that person alone for 30 seconds”
During the talk, the element of monitoring, observation, and control by traffickers was heavily emphasized. Trafficked persons may come to medical appointments under supervision from a trafficker, making it difficult to assess the patient’s safety need or propose resources to them. To protect the patient, ensure their safety, and respect their boundaries, it is important to have sensitive conversations about their situation only when alone with the patient. As Joeline states, when the patient is not alone, “it is key to make sure that you do not do or say anything or do any type of intervention when that other person is around. They absolutely have to be alone.” Whether this is having the patient accompany you to the bathroom for a “urine sample” or asking a suspected trafficker to step out for a “sensitive exam”, it is important to ensure that when you propose resources or help to a potentially trafficked person, you are creating a space where these resources can safely be suggested.
4. Remain connected
Joeline emphasized the importance of recognizing that as a provider, there are options for supporting trafficked persons. Contacting law enforcement immediately may not always be the only option available. As she states, “it could really go very poorly for that person that you're treating if you just bring in police or security.” If a trafficked person is not yet able to safely exit their situation or unwilling to take this step for a multitude of reasons (trauma is complex!), involvement of law enforcement or police can often backfire. “They are going to leave that hospital and they are going to get a really bad beating, because all of a sudden you brought heat.” Other options to consider may be rescheduling appointments to be one-on-one or frequent follow-up appointments to continue to keep tabs on your patient. “Be creative in how you can remain connected to that person so that you can be that safe space. So that when they're ready to say, ‘I desperately need help,’ you are there. And you built that relationship and trust.”
We are incredibly grateful to the team at Hope Restored for this presentation. If you are interested in learning more about the great work Hope Restored is engaged with or lend your support in the form of donation, you can visit them here: https://hoperestoredcanada.org/.