Child modern slavery, trafficking and health: a practical review of factors contributing to children’s vulnerability and the potential impacts of severe exploitation on health
Abstract
Child trafficking is a form of modern slavery, a rapidly
growing, mutating and multifaceted system of severe
human exploitation, violence against children, child abuse
and child rights violations. Modern slavery and human
trafficking (MSHT) represents a major global public health
concern with victims exposed to profound short-term and
long-term physical, mental, psychological, developmental
and even generational risks to health. Children with
increased vulnerability to MSHT, victims (in active
exploitation) and survivors (post-MSHT exploitation) are
attending healthcare settings, presenting critical windows
of opportunity for safeguarding and health intervention.
Recognition of child modern slavery victims can be
very challenging. Healthcare providers benefit from
understanding the diversity of potential physical, mental,
behavioural and developmental health presentations, and
the complexity of children’s responses to threat, fear,
manipulation, deception and abuse.
Healthcare professionals are also encouraged to
have influence, where possible, beyond the care of
individual patients. Research, health insights, advocacy
and promotion of MSHT survivor input enhances the
collaborative development of evidence-based approaches
to prevention, intervention and aftercare of affected
children and families.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
trafficking, research, public health, risk factors, exploitation, intervention, healthcare professionals, prevention
Citation
Wood, L. C. (2020). Child modern slavery, trafficking and health: a practical review of factors contributing to children’s vulnerability and the potential impacts of severe exploitation on health. BMJ paediatrics open, 4(1).