Social work practitioners and the identification of human trafficking victims

Date

2012

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

St. Catherine University

Abstract

Human trafficking is a growing problem in the United States, specifically in Minnesota. Victims of human trafficking are difficult to locate and identify. The purpose of this study was to gather information about the knowledge level of social work practitioners when faced with the identification of human trafficking victims in a hospital setting. Using a convenience sample, 16 hospital social work practitioners were surveyed regarding their knowledge of human trafficking and trafficking victim identification. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive analysis, frequency counts, and content analysis. This data was then compared to previous related literature. The findings indicated that although the social work practitioners had a general working knowledge of human trafficking, they would benefit from additional training regarding victim intervention strategies.

Description

Keywords

identification, child abuse, trafficking, victims, social workers, child protection workers

Citation

Christenson, K. (2012). Social work practitioners and the identification of human trafficking victims. Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers. Paper 114.

DOI