Human trafficking is a global health crisis that requires awareness, education and action to combat effectively.
On this episode of Why Am I Just Finding This Out, host Kristin Stovern, DNP WHNP CNM FACNM, speaks with guest Dr. Morgan Dutler, Professor of Nursing at Purdue University Global, about the alarming reality of human trafficking. Dr. Dutler, who has implemented human trafficking protocols in healthcare settings, brings her expertise to shed light on this often misunderstood and underreported issue.
They discuss the staggering statistics of human trafficking, including the fact that 88% of trafficking victims have contact with healthcare professionals during their captivity. They cover the various forms of trafficking, from sex and labor trafficking to forced marriages and child military service. Dr. Dutler explains the red flags that may indicate someone is being trafficked and provides guidance on how to respond appropriately in both healthcare and everyday settings.
"It's very hard to pinpoint, you know, they're not walking around with a name tag that says, Hi, I'm being trafficked," Dr. Dutler explains. "You really have to seek that training to understand what it really entails and then what you really need to do or talk to."
Stovern and Dr. Dutler also explore the resources available for those seeking to learn more about human trafficking, including training programs offered by organizations like the Polaris Project and the Department of Homeland Security. They discuss the importance of consumer awareness in avoiding products that may be associated with labor trafficking and highlight the role of state representatives in addressing this issue. The conversation emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to combating human trafficking, involving healthcare professionals, law enforcement, policymakers, and informed citizens.
