The Human Trafficking Crisis: A Catholic Healthcare Response

Transcription

1 The Human Trafficking Crisis: A Catholic Healthcare Response Deacon Alex Garvey, PhD Jessica Weingartner, MA 1

2 Presenters Deacon Alex Garvey, PhD Senior Vice President, Mission Jessica Weingartner, MA Director, Mission 2

3 Pope Francis s Call Although we try to ignore it, slavery is not something from other times. Faced with this tragic reality, no one can wash their hands of it without being, in some way, an accomplice to this crime against humanity. We cannot ignore the fact that there is as much slavery in the world today as there was before, or perhaps more. Let us pray for a generous welcome of the victims of human trafficking, of enforced prostitution, and of violence. 3

4 Catholic Healthcare Ministry Jesus went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. Matthew 4:23 4

5 What is Human Trafficking? An open wound on the body of contemporary society 5

6 Defining Human Trafficking The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person For a commercial sex act In which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, OR in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age -OR- For labor or services Through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery. 6

7 Breaking Down the Definition Action Means Purpose Recruits Harbors Transports Provides Obtains Force Physical assault, sexual assault, confinement Fraud False promises about work, withholding promised wages Coercion Threats, debt bondage, psychological manipulation A Commercial Sex Act Labor or Services 7

8 What are Force, Fraud, and Coercion? Threats Intimidation Emotional abuse Psychological manipulation Economic abuse Physical and sexual abuse Economic abuse 8

9 Human Trafficking by the Numbers 40.3 Million Estimated number of human trafficking victims worldwide $150 Billion Estimated revenue generated from human trafficking worldwide The world s fastest growing criminal industry 1 in 7 Number of endangered runaways that fall into the hands of traffickers. Of those, 88% are in the foster care system Average age a child enters into sex trafficking 9

10 Where does Trafficking Occur? Sex Trafficking Brothels Hotels/motels Online Street-based Escort services Truck stops Strip clubs Illicit massage parlors Labor Trafficking Domestic work Traveling sales crews Restaurants Agriculture Beauty salons Begging rings Carnivals Landscaping 10

11 Why Does a Health System Care? 87.8% Of sex trafficking victims say they had some contact with health care while being trafficked 95% Of ER providers are not trained to treat trafficking victims Points of access: Emergency department Primary physician Urgent care Women s clinic Neighborhood clinic Worksite doctor 11

12 Indicators of Labor Trafficking 12

13 Indicators of Sex Trafficking 13

14 Why Don t Victims Seek Help? Guilt or shame Retaliation Judgement Deportation Arrest Nowhere to go The System Social Services 14

15 Long-Term Effects of Complex Trauma PTSD Memory Disruption Trauma Bonding Impaired Development Behavioral Health Issues 15

16 Society s Call Our Response we need a mobilization comparable in size to that of the phenomenon itself Andreas Solaro AFP/Getty Images 16

17 Our Response Raise awareness in the community Educate our healthcare providers Incorporate behavioral health strategies in caring for survivors Collaborate with community partners Appreciate the legislative function as a dynamic of healing 17

18 Community Awareness 18

19 Community Awareness 19

20 Relentless Communication 20

21 Advocacy South Carolina General Assembly 122 nd Session H

22 Restoration 22

23 Be an Advocate for the Marginalized Be educated and aware Contact your local Diocese Encourage dialogue between local Catholic healthcare systems, dioceses, and parishes Be the catalyst for collaborative ministry Keep Diocese and congregants informed of local and state legislation promoting the dignity of the human person 23

24 24

25 Resources Polaris Project National Center for Missing and Exploited Children National Human Trafficking Resource Center Vatican Document: Pastoral Orientations on Human Trafficking U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking 25