Health professionals have an opportunity to assist patients who are experiencing many types of violence, including human trafficking; however, current approaches are often not person-centered. The Provide privacy, Educate, Ask, Respect and Respond (PEARR) Tool, a recognized screening tool in the U.S., is a structured conversation guide for health professionals on how to provide trauma-sensitive assistance to patients who may be experiencing such violence, including human trafficking. This presentation will share a foundational overview of labor trafficking and offer practical insights to applying the PEARR tool to provide trauma-sensitive assistance to patients who may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or violence, such as human trafficking. It promotes an approach in which relationships with patients are fostered before further screening is conducted. Participants will be introduced to HEAL Trafficking’s newly released workbook, HEALing Labor Trafficking: Case Studies and Best Practices, co-written with partners at Justice at Work. Utilizing real labor trafficking case studies, participants will take a deeper dive into providing trauma-informed care for labor trafficking cases.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Nani Cuadrado is the Director of Education for HEAL Trafficking, leading innovative health solutions to eradicate human trafficking worldwide. A physician assistant (PA) for over 20 years, she is a fierce ally for vulnerable populations and survivors of trafficking and was awarded AAPA’s 2021 PA of the Year for her work.