Human Trafficking: Recognition and Intervention

Course overview

Human trafficking is a global public health and human rights issue involving the exploitation of 18.7 million people and yielding profits of $150 billion (USD) per year worldwide. In 2014, within the United States, 5,042 cases of human trafficking were reported to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. Although organizations from all sectors have emerged to fight against and prevent human trafficking, human service, healthcare, and other helping professionals are in a unique position to prevent, identify, and care for trafficked persons. In fact, one study reported that 88% of trafficked persons interacted with a service provider during their time being trafficked. This intermediate-level course is an overview of the complex crime of human trafficking, with a focus on sex and labor trafficking and the common symptoms and conditions that occur in trafficked persons. The course provides insights into the facts surrounding human trafficking and relevant risks for the trafficked person. Social workers, marriage and family therapists, and counselors who complete this course will be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of trafficked persons and identify the needed interventions. Case scenarios throughout the course illuminate common presentations of trafficked persons and actions that service providers can take to help these individuals. This course lists national resources that provide vital services to trafficked persons and it makes recommendations for client and service provider safety when addressing these potentially volatile scenarios.