Human trafficking and exploitation: guidance for health workers
Advice how to recognise and help victims of human trafficking and exploitation.
Health consequences of trafficking
| Physical |
Mental |
Sexual/Reproductive |
|---|---|---|
| Injuries, contusions, broken bones, burns Headaches; head injury Dizziness Abdominal pain Eye problems Dental problems/malnourishment Exhaustion Dehydration Hypothermia, frostbite Repetitive syndromes e.g. back, neck and joint problems Respiratory problems Skin infections, occupational dermatosis Gastro-intestinal infection (water and food related) Withdrawal symptoms from drugs and alcohol Blood borne viruses (Hepatitis B and C) |
Depression Stress Anxiety Shame Disorientation Panic attacks Phobias Confusion Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) Suicidal ideation Self-harm Substance misuse (Delirium Tremens) Cognitive dysfunction; memory problems Hostility Dissociation Delirium Tremens |
Sexually Transmitted infections (including Hepatitis B and HIV) Infestation, such as scabies, pubic lice Pelvic Inflammatory disease Unwanted pregnancy Unsafe abortion* Vaginal fistula Rectal trauma Pelvic pain Urinary difficulties Gynaecological infections Discharge Disturbed menstrual cycle |
* If a pregnancy is the result of rape or exploitation, women may request, or be forced by their trafficker, to have a termination. Conception in these circumstances may also result in difficulties during birth and/or for mother-child bonding. If a mother is subsequently separated from her child, it is likely that this will not only impact on the mother's psychological health but will also impact the child's wellbeing and development. There have also been cases of women being made pregnant for the purposes of selling children, resulting in women experiencing bereavement and the need for specialist long-term therapeutic care[18].
Contact
Email: human.trafficking@gov.scot
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