GBMC SAFE/DV: Human Trafficking initiatives

Human trafficking is a widely misunderstood crime that can affect anyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or socioeconomic status, and it occurs in all communities. The true number of victims is unknown, but human trafficking has been identified in all 50 U.S. states and is believed to be the second highest-grossing criminal enterprise in the world, generating billions of dollars each year.

Unfortunately, there are many myths that often play a harmful role in the public’s view of this crime. The sensationalized way human trafficking is depicted in movies and television is typically inaccurate. Victims are not usually kidnapped off the street, held in dark rooms, or chained up. The truth is victims normally know their trafficker and may be controlled by methods other than physical abuse and confinement. It is important to raise awareness of the complexities of human trafficking in order to both prevent it and provide assistance to current victims.

Human sex trafficking occurs when a controlling individual (trafficker) uses force, fraud, or coercion to facilitate a commercial sex act (i.e., a sexual act exchanged for money or something of value). Sex trafficking also includes anyone under 18 years old who is involved in commercial sex, regardless of whether a trafficker is involved or if the acts are voluntary because minors are unable to consent to commercial sex acts. Human sex trafficking can occur anywhere including public places, schools, motels/hotels, private homes, or even online. Victims are often targeted based on vulnerabilities or unmet needs. Risk factors include individuals with a history of abuse, young age, involvement in the foster care system, substance abuse issues, mental illness, being a runaway or homeless, being LGBTQ+, or living in poverty. Traffickers often spend a great amount of time grooming potential victims, filling their unmet needs, and creating dependency before their exploitation begins.

Increasing public awareness and improving access to victim services is paramount in combatting this unimaginable crime. GBMC’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) & Domestic Violence (DV) Program is dedicated to identifying, responding to, and preventing human trafficking in our communities.

GBMC’s Anti-Trafficking Initiative was formed in 2018 with a focus on policy development, staff and community training, and the expansion of lifesaving services to meet the needs of vulnerable populations. Since its inception, the initiative has trained thousands of individuals on the topic of human trafficking, developed policies for the treatment of patients within the healthcare system, expanded the multidisciplinary team approach, and improved access to services for victims and survivors. Patients who enter the program have access to comprehensive care including 24/7 medical-forensic services, nursing care, and victim advocacy support. Additional resources available to patients include emergency shelter, transportation, items of necessity, substance abuse consultations, and case management. Consultations are also available around the clock to law enforcement, partner agencies, and healthcare providers to offer guidance and assist with decision-making.

Through generous donations and grant funding, the SAFE & DV Program has been able to provide this invaluable service to the community at no cost to its patients. With continued funding, future plans include offering education to neighboring hospitals and healthcare facilities, providing in-house mental health therapy to patients, increasing the availability of emergency shelters, and offering advanced training to GBMC staff and law enforcement partners. By raising public awareness, educating our community, and providing life-saving services to victims, we can all contribute to combatting human trafficking and supporting survivors.

To learn more about human trafficking and how you can support the work GBMC is doing, visit www.gbmc.org/safe or watch this video. You can also support this cause by participating in our Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event, all proceeds go to our SAFE/ DV program. Learn more at www.gbmc.org/walk.