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About 4.5 million women and girls are forced into sexual labor worldwide; in the U.S., about 17% of the 18,500 runaway children in 2016 were probably sex-trafficked. A study of 98 survivors of sex trafficking found most (88%) had seen a physician during their captivity. These authors detail how clinicians can identify and assist exploited women and girls.
Red flags for trafficking include:
Companion who refuses to leave the room, answers questions for the patient, or does not allow use of a professional interpreter
Unexpected material possessions
Excessive familiarity with sex
Body language indicating fear or distrust
Injuries suggesting physical abuse or sexual trauma
Examination inconsistent with history, which may be “scripted”
Vague or inconsis…