The statistics are staggering--nearly 19 million people in the United States are currently victims of sex trafficking, most frequently girls between the ages of 12 and 14. This is the first clinical guide to assessing and treating victims of sex trafficking, encompassing best practices and strategies for overcoming the severe barriers that this group presents. These barriers most notably include separating victims from their pimps/handlers, who exert tight control over their lives, speech, and interactions with healthcare providers.

At the heart of the book are consistently organized chapters addressing the major injuries, diseases and psychological traumas for which trafficked victims are likely to seek treatment. These chapters include a description of each condition, culturally based best practices for treatment, special considerations for male, female, and child victims, and expected outcomes. Citing the specialized circumstances of this population, the book discusses how to adapt current treatments to the special needs of these young victims. Additional features include case studies, short bullet points, and easy-to-follow recommendations. The book also discusses human trafficking as a global issue with particular attention to the United States. The guide describes the countrywide resources available for practitioners to learn about sex trafficking in the United States, focusing on Georgia as the only state to offer a comprehensive approach to sex trafficking and a model for the rest of the country. It also addresses health policy implications for practitioners and how to harness the support of law enforcement entities.

Key Features:

• Provides best practices to date in a concise reference-style guide to medical and psychological assessment and treatment of sex trafficking victims
• Includes case studies and easy-to-follow practice recommendations
• Describes strategies on overcoming handlers' control over their victims
• Provides phone numbers and contact information by state or region regarding how to safely involve law enforcement