READ:

After the boyfriend is out of the room, the second SART Nurse begins to screen for human trafficking. The patient appears nervous and frequently checks the door. They assure her that she is safe and that her boyfriend won’t be allowed back in if she doesn’t want him to be.

CHOOSE ONE AND READ:

• “I’m just seeing some concerning things here and I want to make sure you’re okay.”

• “It’s hospital protocol to ask every patient in your situation a couple of questions. Please respond as honestly as possible to each of the following…” [Then implement human trafficking assessment/screening questions.]

• “I just want to make sure you feel safe in your relationship and that he doesn’t ever make you do things you don’t want to do.”

• Anything else you want to try!

[Wait for the patient to respond – she may be hesitant at first but will eventually disclose to you]

READ:

[After the patient discloses that she is being forced to have sex with other men for money and that he takes it all, you validate her experience, thank her for sharing, and asks what she wants to do next.]

[She expresses that she doesn’t want law enforcement involved but wants help leaving the situation.] You say that you know of some organizations that can help. You tell her about the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline and give her an ACT Alberta discreet resource (e,g Tasty’s card).

You offer to safety plan with her and continue with the rest of the medical assessment.