The presenters of this session will discuss the importance of taking a collaborative approach to ensuring survivors of human trafficking have equitable access to healthcare. The session will highlight some of the situations that clinicians face that can be addressed when healthcare works with other disciplines to meet the survivors needs. These situations may range from having access to specialized clinicians able to provide specialized care to addressing language and communication barriers that may exist for the survivor. The presenters will highlight the importance of strong collaborative relationships between community and healthcare respondents in the process of advocating on behalf of the medical needs of the survivor and ensuring that healthcare is delivered in an equitable manner. The presenters will define a medical forensic examination and discuss the benefits of incorporating healthcare in the response to human trafficking. The session will reinforce the need for equitable access to healthcare by use of case studies that will identify complexities that can present challenges that require additional resources across all disciplines involved in providing a response. Identifying and addressing gaps in providing equitable services to such an already vulnerable population promotes a better experience for both the survivor and those providing the services. At the completion of the session, attendees will be able to recognize the role of healthcare and ways to work with healthcare to overcome existing barriers for survivors of human trafficking.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Angelita Olowu is a Forensic Nursing Specialist with the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN). She provides training and technical assistance on the care of survivors of interpersonal violence. Angelita teaches Indian Health Service and IAFN Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner didactic and clinical courses and provides education statewide and nationally.
Christina Presenti has a deep dedication to empowering victims of violence. She is currently the Membership Manager at the International Association of Forensic Nurses. She held positions at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the New Hampshire Coalition of Domestic and Sexual Violence, and Bridges, her local crisis center.