Unbeknownst to most, healthcare is a significant touchpoint for victims of human trafficking. A majority of trafficked persons in the United States access healthcare at some point during their exploitation (Bono-Neri, 2024; Jones Day, 2022). Retrospective studies report that about 70% to 90% of victims seek healthcare while trafficked, yet the majority are not identified nor offered services (Chisolm-Straker et al., 2016; Lederer & Wetzel, 2014). The victimization inflicted by traffickers is profound and devastating, and the trauma experienced can be lifelong.

The acts committed are heinous and egregious, putting these victims at risk for a multitude of physical and psychological concerns (Bono-Neri, 2024; Ernewein et al., 2023). These concerns ultimately lead victims to seek healthcare. These encounters present an opportunity to not just treat these clients but empower them with resources, and to act as a mandated reporter in cases involving minors. Healthcare visits may be the only opportunity to reach these victims; therefore, prompt identification is vital.

The identification of victims of human trafficking in the healthcare setting can be challenging, as these individuals present with an array of chief complaints, past medical histories, and comorbidities. Additionally, due to the significant psychological manipulation, gaslighting, and trauma bonding that occur, victims do not always self-identify as such, which further impedes identification in the clinical setting. Therefore, healthcare professionals must be properly educated on red-flag indicators, signs and symptoms, and clinical presentations of a victim of human trafficking.

OBJECTIVES

• Identify the significant intersection of human trafficking with healthcare, as these victims are presenting with diverse acute and chronic physical issues, and mental-health concerns
• Recognize the significant lack of healthcare professionals’ preparedness in identifying, treating, responding to, and supporting victims of human trafficking
• Explore diverse clinical presentations and red-flag indicators of a victim of human trafficking

PRESENTER

Francine Bono-Neri, PhD, RN, APRN, PNP, FAAN Dr. Francine Bono-Neri is a pediatric nurse practitioner, academic nurse educator, trained sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE), researcher, published author, and invited speaker. She served as a Director-at-Large for ANA-New York, and as President for her local chapter of NAPNAP. Bono-Neri is the recipient of a prestigious N.E.F. Scholarship. In giving back, she established a scholarship to be awarded annually to a master’s or doctoral nursing student pursuing clinical expertise or scholarly work pertaining to human trafficking. Due to her dedication and global impact surrounding human trafficking, Bono-Neri was inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Nursing and was recognized at the UN, receiving the 2024 Inspiring Global Nurse Award and 2024 International Ceca Award. She’s Co-founder & President of Nurses United Against Human Trafficking, a global professional association dedicated to educating, equipping, and empowering healthcare professionals on human trafficking and antitrafficking measures.

Enduring Modules - This module originated on 12/9/2026 and will remain available for CE credit through 12/31/2028

Criteria for Successful Completion:

Live attendees must join the zoom link via the LMS site, be logged in for a minimum of 90% of the session, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded. 

Recordings of the live session will be made available within one week of the live date. 

Asynchronous attendees must utilize the LMS to obtain resource information (if available), view 100% of recording(s), complete all modules, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded.

No relevant financial relationships exist for any individuals in a position to control content of this educational activity.

NOTE:

The Academy of Forensic Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.