Shannon Olsen

Professor Goran

Integrating Experience III

25 September 2023

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking involves force, fraud, and coercion for a human to engage in sexual commercial acts and/or some kind of labor. My previous thoughts on human trafficking before this human trafficking lecture included thinking this issue was a problem for more underdeveloped countries and not as common at least in New England. I knew human trafficking mainly involved young females and women. I thought human trafficking involved highly populated areas and/or touristy areas in Europe. I knew human trafficking occurred in the U.S of course, but I was not aware of the severity of the issue. I feel as though this issue is being swept under the rug I guess and there is not much global attention to it, this may be because of how much money human trafficking boost the economy. After hearing this class discussion about human trafficking my thoughts have been altered quite a bit. I was not aware that there is a percentage of people who are trafficked by their own parents/relatives or even their life partners. The statistics on human trafficking is only based off of cases that are reported, which is something to keep in mind when looking at the numbers and those who are effected. Some traffickers actually tattoo their victims to put a claim on them to show other traffickers. Shame and guilt are feelings that can hold a lot of victims of trafficking from speaking out. Illegal immigrants, victims of abuse, people that grow up in dysfunctional families, mentally ill people, drug users, and homeless people are at a high risk for getting trafficked. I can apply what I have learned in today’s lecture in my future practice as a nurse by understanding the signs and symptoms of abuse, trafficking red-flags, and what to do in case of a suspected trafficking occurrence. Knowing that trafficked victims may arrive with no ID, may not be able to articulate their story well, have symptoms of physical abuse, and may look unkempt is important to recognize as possible signs of human trafficking. An important thing to remember as a future nurse is that it is necessary for your patients to speak for themselves and not have others speak for them during hospital visits because this is a sign of domination/control from a human trafficker.