Dermatologists ‘uniquely positioned’ to recognize, aid human trafficking victims
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Key takeaways:
- Between 50% and 80% of human trafficking victims have sought care within the medical system.
- As the specialty of “visual pattern recognition,” dermatologists can be on the frontlines of aiding these victims.
CHICAGO — Dermatologists are in a position to identify and aid those affected by human trafficking, and many organizations are advocating for the community to get involved.
“We as dermatologists are uniquely positioned to aid in the medical community’s effort to help human trafficking survivors because firstly, we are the specialty of visual pattern recognition. So, we pick up on signs and are trained to recognize patterns that other members of medical teams might not be able to see,” A. Shadi Kourosh, MD, MPH, assistant professor of dermatology and director of community health at Harvard Medical School, told Healio. “Furthermore, as procedural dermatologists we offer skills such as tattoo removal, for which these patients might seek us out.”
At the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) Annual Meeting, Kourosh discussed what dermatologists can keep an eye out for and how research is needed to expand knowledge of this issue.
“The true nature of this global problem remains unknown. It is suspected that trafficked individuals often go unrecognized,” Kourosh said during her presentation. “Lack of awareness and screening tools to help identify those affected by human trafficking is causing these victims to go unrecognized.”
More than 27 million people are trafficked worldwide, according to WHO, and reports have recognized approximately 50% to 80% of human trafficking victims had been through the medical system at some point without being noticed as a victim.
Practitioners may not be aware of what to look for, and fear of the exploiters, who are often present during exams, keeps many victims from reporting their abuse.
Some physical signs of human trafficking include STI-related rashes, traumatic injuries sometimes caused by self-harm and tattoos that follow similar themes, which are all signs that could be recognized by a dermatologist if they have the knowledge to look for them.
The ASDS, American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery are now all working to mobilize efforts to advocate for these victims, and Kourosh is pushing for more dermatologists to join them in mobilizing efforts.
“This is really a team effort among all the dermatologists in our dermatology community,” she told Healio. “I’ve been so inspired and heart warmed to be reminded every day of what wonderful people and good citizens members of our dermatology community are because of the overwhelming response we’ve received.”
Anyone who would like to get involved or offer suggestions to the task force is asked to contact Kourosh at shadi@mail.harvard.edu.
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Kourosh S. The role of dermatologic surgeons in advocating for those affected by human trafficking. Presented at: American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Annual Meeting; Nov 1-5, 2023; Chicago.
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