NHS staff in human traffick fight

Sep 13 2012

Doctors and nurses are being given advice on how to spot the victims of human trafficking.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is to offer frontline staff specialist guidance.

Health chiefs believe NHS workers could be in a unique position to offer assistance if trafficking victims come to them for medical help.

Police have estimated Scotland has 13.5% of the UK's trade in humans despite the country having less than 10% of the UK population.

Sharon Doherty, the health board's consultant clinical psychologist, provides mental health care to victims of human trafficking.

She said: "Trafficked men and women can be trapped in sexual slavery and forced labour or domestic servitude here in Glasgow, in some cases held captive for many years in a locked single room. Anything health staff can do to identify victims of trafficking and make it difficult for traffickers to use the UK as a destination is vital."

Signs that someone could have been subjected to this could include injuries or scarring from assaults, signs of rape or sexual abuse or post-traumatic stress and psychological disorders.

Victims could also be accompanied by a minder, who they defer to and who speaks for them. They may also appear nervous and be unwilling to volunteer questions.

Dr Doherty added: "Trafficking does exist in Glasgow and traffickers have been able to use the fact that health professionals and other agencies may not be fully aware of the issue. By increasing awareness amongst health staff about this issue, I think it will make it increasingly difficult for traffickers to use the UK as a destination."

Catriona Renfrew, director of corporate planning and policy at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "Trafficking exists in Scotland and contact with a health worker may be the one chance for a trafficked person to get help and protection. This is a cruel trade in human lives and staff can play an important role by picking up on injuries or behaviour and help people contact the police or other appropriate authorities and services."