Healthcare Statistics

Up-to-date statistics on human trafficking are notoriously hard to find. Many studies are outdated, have small sample sizes, or are inundated with stereotypes and personal agendas. Internet searches often consume a lot of time and take away from other work you could be doing. With that in mind, Safe House Project has compiled a list of statistics from reputable sources, including government agencies and peer-reviewed research.

General Health

• 50% of human trafficking survivors have contact with medical professionals

• 12% of states have human trafficking training available but optional for healthcare workers

• 3% of emergency departments report receiving trafficking training

• 68% of trafficking victims seen by medical professionals are seen in an emergency department

• 8% of states mandate human trafficking training for some healthcare professionals

• 10% of states mandate human trafficking training for all healthcare workers

• 72% of states have no state-regulated human trafficking trainings for healthcare workers

• Common health issues associated with trafficking

• A growing body of research indicates that healthcare workers feel ill-equipped to spot the signs of trafficking in patients and intervene effectively.

• 90% of minor human trafficking victims have contact with medical professionals

Mental Health

• 75% of survivors report having flashbacks

• 62% of survivors have PTSD

• 42% of trafficking victims attempt suicide during their trafficking

• 36.2% of trafficking victims report developing eating disorders

• 21% of trafficking survivors attempt suicide following their trafficking

Physical Health

• 35.2% experienced malnutrition

• 70% of survivors report physical injuries from their trafficking

• 67.9% of survivors experienced some type of cardiovascular or respiratory difficulty during the course of their trafficking

• 50%+ of survivors reported injuries to the face or head

• 46.7% experienced loss of appetite

• 42.9% reported severe weight loss

Sexual Health

• 50% more likely to acquire HIV

• 62.5% of survivors reporting using birth control during their trafficking went to the doctor alone to get the prescription

• 80.9% of trafficking victims report being on birth control during their trafficking

• 79% increase in risk of endometriosis for women who were severely sexually abused

• 71.2% of trafficking victims report becoming pregnant during their trafficking

• 67.3% contract STDs/STIs