Returning to work this week, I am thankful for the time off this past weekend to enjoy a lovely Thanksgiving holiday with my family. I was stuffed to the brim with good food and had the opportunity to experience some much needed rest. Reflecting on my life right now, I confess that I have it pretty good. I’m thankful for a great job, family, friends, and a place to live. It’s rather easy to be thankful…when I actually take a few moments to do just that. My dad always told me that there is someone off worse than you. how true these words are!
In line with this comment, I’ve been shocked to become aware of the issue of sex trafficking, which is basically the enslavement of (mostly) women and children by a pimp to use to solicit sex. This is a very heavy subject that is a reality both abroad and in the U.S. Until 2 months ago, I never imagined that slavery is still happening…especially not in the U.S.!
As I’ve learned more about this subject, I’ve learned a few interesting facts.
- Over 15,000 individuals are trafficked into the US yearly.
- Over 100,000 American children are subject to commercial sexual exploitation every year.
- Nearly 1/3 of all trafficking victims will see a healthcare provider during the time that thye are being trafficked.
This last fact stuck out to me….it seems that healthcare professionals have the opportunity to “look beneath the surface” of patients and identify potential victims. Some questions to ask a potential victim may include:
- Are you being held against your will? Do you have a choice of where (or how much) you work? Can you come and go as you please?
An organization called Doctors At War has been formed for physicians and other healthcare professionals to partner against trafficking worldwide. To learn more about identifying a potential human trafficking victim, visit their website at www.doctorsatwar.org