Human Trafficking
"This is a human rights issue, and we can do something about it."
Sister Mary Ellen Dougherty
Migration and Refugee Services
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
"Just remember: YIMBY — 'Yes, in my back yard'"
Cherie Sammis, RN
Providence Hospital,
Washington, DC
Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery. Victims are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of commercial sex or forced labor. Victims are children, teenagers, women, and men.
Human trafficking is widespread throughout the world and in the United States. It is estimated that up to 17,000 victims are trafficked into the United States each year. Relatively few of these victims are identified and rescued because they are hidden and afraid.
Catholic and other health care organizations and their health care professionals can help victims of human trafficking by being alert to the problem and realizing patients they are treating may be victims. You can help by:
- Raising awareness throughout your organization using educational programs, posters, and fliers
- Asking all clinicians, especially those delivering primary and emergency services, to be alert to signs that their patients may be victims of human trafficking.
- Adding the issue of human trafficking to all protocols and policies already in place to help victims of domestic abuse.
- Becoming part of community-wide coalitions made up of health care and other service providers, including your local Catholic Charities agency, law enforcement agencies, and other interested groups.
- Advocating for laws and policies that protect victims of human trafficking.
Find Out More
These websites can help you find important information and resources for helping victims of human trafficking, such as these key organization that offer information and resource materials:
If you think someone is a victim of human trafficking, call the Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline: (888) 373-7888.