Human Trafficking Survivor Health Issues

Human trafficking has severe impacts on survivors’ physical and mental health, and healthcare systems are not always equipped to care for them.

Any type of human trafficking — sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and forced marriage — can have grave health consequences. One study by Loyola University found that 99% of trafficking survivors had at least one significant physical health problem as a result of their exploitation. 

Some of the commonly reported injuries in trafficking survivors include:

• Neurological Problems
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Gastrointestinal distress
• Cardiovascular or respiratory illnesses
• Dental problems
• Severe infections
• Lost limbs

Human trafficking has a severe and lasting impact on the mental health of survivors. Although it can be difficult to discern exact numbers due to survivors’ own challenges with self-identifying, the Loyola study found that 98% of survivors had symptoms of at least one mental health problem. 

Mental health problems can include: 

• PTSD
• Addiction
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Eating disorders
• Memory problems
• Disassociation
• Suicidal ideation and attempt

Even though at least 70% of United States trafficking survivors interact with healthcare systems while they’re being exploited, healthcare professionals rarely recognize what’s going on. How can we change that?

Read the full article to find out.

https://theexodusroad.com/human-trafficking-survivor-health-problems/