Mental health service responses to human trafficking: a qualitative study of professionals’ experiences of providing care
Date
2015
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Publisher
BMC Psychiatry
Abstract
Human trafficking is a global crime and human rights violation. Although research has demonstrated
a high prevalence of mental disorder among trafficked people and that trafficked people are in contact with mental
health services, little is known about mental health professionals’ experiences of identifying and providing care for
trafficked people. This study aimed to understand how people are identified as trafficked within mental health
services and the challenges professionals experience in responding to trafficked people’s mental health needs. Qualitative study of electronic health records of trafficked people in contact with secondary mental health
services in South East London, England. Comprehensive clinical electronic health records for over 200,000 patients
in contact with secondary mental health services in South London were searched and retrieved to identify
trafficked patients. Content analysis was used to establish how people were identified as trafficked, and thematic
analysis was used to explore the challenges experienced in responding to mental health needs. The sample included 130 trafficked patients, 95 adults and 35 children. In 43 % (41/95) of adult cases and
63 % (22/35) child cases, mental health professionals were informed that their patient was a potential victim of
trafficking by another service involved in their patient’s care. Cases were also identified through patients disclosing
their experiences of exploitation and abuse. Key challenges faced by staff included social and legal instability,
difficulties ascertaining history, patients’ lack of engagement, availability of services, and inter-agency working.
Training to increase awareness, encourage helpful responses, and inform staff about the available
support options would help to ensure the mental health needs of trafficked people are met. Further research is
needed to establish if these challenges are similar in other health settings
Description
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Keywords
International Resources, United Kingdom, Mental health, human trafficking, Mental disorder, research, qualitative
Citation
Domoney, J., Howard, L. M., Abas, M., Broadbent, M., & Oram, S. (2015). Mental health service responses to human trafficking: a qualitative study of professionals’ experiences of providing care. BMC Psychiatry, 15, 289.