Survivors of sex trafficking (ST) experience a high prevalence of physical and mental health problems and frequently access healthcare during their victimization (Lederer & Wetzel, 2014). Healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to assist victims. However, a survey of Wisconsin healthcare providers revealed less than half could accurately identify victims, and 90% did not feel confident in their ability to effectively care for victims/survivors (Beck et al., 2015). The Healthcare Collaborative Against Sex Trafficking (HCAST) is a community-academic project with a goal to transform mental models and processes within healthcare and community services that reinforce health disparities among people impacted by ST. The collaborative includes survivors, community service agencies, and representatives from major health systems, community health centers, and free/reduced cost clinics in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. HCAST conducted focus groups of individuals impacted by ST, interviews with community service organizations, and strategic planning sessions of healthcare representatives to inform development of a program charter and strategic plan. Through this process, HCAST identified several root causes of health inequity for victims, including 1) lack of relationships between healthcare systems and community agencies, 2) the absence of training and treatment/referral guidelines which facilitates attitudes, beliefs, and practices contributing to healthcare disparities, and 3) power dynamics that prevent survivor input into healthcare policies. HCAST is addressing these barriers through the development and implementation of education, practice guidelines, and improved connections between healthcare systems, community agencies and survivors. This presentation will outline the process and lessons learned during HCAST charter development and implementation.
Dr. Angela Rabbitt is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Co-Director of the Healthcare Collaborative Against Sex Trafficking (HCAST). She has led multidisciplinary initiatives to improve responses to sex trafficking and to prevent violence and exploitation of vulnerable populations at the local, state, and national level.
Dr. Wendi Ehrman is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Co-Director of the Healthcare Collaborative Against Sex Trafficking (HCAST). She has worked with high-risk youth for over 25 years and participated in multiple projects focused on early identification and treatment of sexually exploited youth.