Abstract

Background: Human trafficking is a highly profitable human rights violation. Survivors of human trafficking (HT) experience serious physical and psychological health consequences which may begin prior to trafficking and extend beyond the period of exploitation. Vulnerabilities during childhood increase the susceptibility to grooming for HT. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood. Healthcare providers (HCPs) are key to identification, referral, and treatment of victims.

Purpose: To educate HCPs on HT and the intersection of ACEs. To review the healthcare response.

Methods: A secondary analysis of a qualitative study, which included interviews of 30 survivors of HT, was completed. Findings will be reviewed to include the incidence of familial trafficking, health Implications, and long-term effects related to ACEs and HT. ACEs will be discussed focusing on the intersection of ACEs and HT.

Conclusion: Findings from a CDC study (Kaiser) revealed that ACES are common and can negatively impact the child's sense of safety. A relationship between the number of ACEs reported and associated negative well-being across the life course was noted. The healthcare response and resources are needed. Improving the HCPs' awareness will help with early identification and intervention in cases of HT.

Notes

References:

Alessi, E., Greenfield, B., Manning, D., & Dank, M. (2020). Victimization and resiliency among sexual and gender minority homeless youth engaging in survival
sex. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(23-24), 11236-11259.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs): Preventing early trauma to improve adult health.
https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/aces/pdf/vs-1105-aces-H.pdf

Chen, E., Robichaux, K., Gordon, M., Coverdale, A., Davis, M., & Nguyen, P. (2021). A pilot's program's healthcare response to human trafficking in Houston
Texas. Journal of Human Trafficking, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322705.2020.1865095

Bachrach, L., Truschel, L., & Chisolm-Straker, M. (2022). Human trafficking of children and adolescents: Recognition and response in the emergency
department. Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice, 19(7), 1-24.

Bruhns, M. E., del Prado, A., Slezakova, J., Lapinski, A. J., Li, T., & Pizer, B. (2018). Survivors’ perspectives on recovery from commercial sexual exploitation beginning
in childhood. The Counseling Psychologist, 46(4), 413-455. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000018777544

Description

Outcomes:

  • Identify the types and prevalence of human trafficking.
  • Identify potential victims of human trafficking and the factors that place a person at risk of being a victim.
  • People who have experienced Adverse childhood experiences (ACES) are identified as vulnerable and at higher risk for HT. ACES will be reviewed with a focus on trafficking in the United States, at-risk population groups, and social determinants of health.
  • The trauma-informed approach will be introduced.

Author Details

Charrita Ernewein, PhD, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, SANE-A, FAANP - Assistant Professor, University of Tampa

Sigma Membership

Delta Beta at-Large

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Other

Research Approach

Qualitative Research

Keywords:

Health Equity, Social Determinants of Health, Public and Community Health, Policy and Advocacy

Conference Name

48th Biennial Convention

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Conference Year

2025

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Date of Issue

2025-11-17

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The Intersectionality of Human Trafficking and Adverse Childhood Experiences

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

Background: Human trafficking is a highly profitable human rights violation. Survivors of human trafficking (HT) experience serious physical and psychological health consequences which may begin prior to trafficking and extend beyond the period of exploitation. Vulnerabilities during childhood increase the susceptibility to grooming for HT. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood. Healthcare providers (HCPs) are key to identification, referral, and treatment of victims.

Purpose: To educate HCPs on HT and the intersection of ACEs. To review the healthcare response.

Methods: A secondary analysis of a qualitative study, which included interviews of 30 survivors of HT, was completed. Findings will be reviewed to include the incidence of familial trafficking, health Implications, and long-term effects related to ACEs and HT. ACEs will be discussed focusing on the intersection of ACEs and HT.

Conclusion: Findings from a CDC study (Kaiser) revealed that ACES are common and can negatively impact the child's sense of safety. A relationship between the number of ACEs reported and associated negative well-being across the life course was noted. The healthcare response and resources are needed. Improving the HCPs' awareness will help with early identification and intervention in cases of HT.