VHHA Human Trafficking Resource Manual

January 26, 2021

The Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association has developed a human trafficking resource manual, Human Trafficking: Care and Response, in collaboration with clinicians from its member hospitals and health systems with experience in forensic nursing, human trafficking, sexual assault care, and related disciplines. Representatives from Augusta Health, Bon Secours, Carilion Clinic, HCA Virginia, Inova, Mary Washington Healthcare, Sentara Healthcare, Valley Health, VCU Health, and Virginia Hospital Center served on the VHHA Human Trafficking Task Force that developed the manual, a document informed by the real-world experience of clinicians who have worked with patients exploited in human trafficking. Prior to publication, the manual was also reviewed by a trafficking survivor. It is a guidance document that contains information for clinical and non-clinical professionals, which can be consulted in instances when health care professionals encounter a patient who they suspect is being exploited by a human trafficker. The manual’s contents include information about anti-trafficking laws, explanations about differences between child and adult trafficking, trafficking facts and myths, distinctions between buyers and perpetrators, tools and resources, clinical indications seen in patients who are being trafficked, potential red flags for health care professionals to be watchful for, and more.

Read a news release about the manual here, and download a pdf version through this link.