Midwives' experiences and perceptions in treating victims of sex trafficking: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim To explore the experiences and perceptions of midwives in the treatment of sex trafficking victims. Design The study was qualitative with a hermeneutic‐phenomenological approach, using semi‐structured interviews and focus groups. Methods Two focus groups and six interviews were carried out on 14 midwives in primary care, delivery and emergency rooms. Data were collected in three hospitals in Spain in June 2021. ATLAS.ti 9 software was used to conduct a content analysis of the focus group and interview data. Results The results revealed two primary themes and six subthemes. The two primary themes were (i) sex trafficking: a camouflaged reality on the invisible spectrum, and (ii) a thirst for attention in the aftermath of violence. Representative quotations were used to illustrate both the main themes and the subthemes. Conclusions This study provides new insight into midwives' experiences treating sex trafficking victims. Professionals view this type of violence as a silent issue that negatively impacts victims' health and livelihood. However, a number of different factors stand in the way of correctly identifying and treating victims. Therefore, healthcare workers must be provided with practical tools and continuous professional development on this topic. Impact This study indicates the importance of the midwives' key role in identifying and assisting victims of sex. Not only do measures in the healthcare setting, such as on‐going specific‐related content training or up‐to‐date protocols, need to be implemented to ensure proper care for those affected by sexual exploitation, but also focusing on suspicious characteristics and reducing obstacles to patient communication will help bring the true situation to light and better respond to patients' priority needs.

Stigmatizing and inaccessible: The perspectives of female sex workers on barriers to reproductive healthcare utilization – A scoping review

“…Moreover, as suggested by Pederson and Gerassi (2022), providing an opportunity for women to disclose sex trading may allow professionals to explore more deeply into the interpersonal, societal and economic circumstances under which women trade sex. This could result in identifying further health and social needs, including situations of coercion and/or control, which may qualify as trafficking (Ruiz‐Gonzalez et al., 2022). Importantly, disclosure should not be enforced on FSW, and clinicians should take into account the possibility that some women would choose non‐disclosure, and respect this choice.…”

“…Lack of antenatal and postpartum healthcare leads to poor pregnancy outcomes, such as higher rates of stillbirths and severe health problems, including neonatal mortality, low birth weight, prematurity, neonatal abstinence syndrome and developmental problems (Willis et al., 2016). More so, nurses and other healthcare professionals often lack knowledge regarding FSW's needs and may hesitate to directly discuss women's involvement in the sex industry or trafficking situations (Ruiz‐Gonzalez et al., 2022).…”

Midwives experiences are an important factor in identifying and supporting victims of sex trafficking

“…It is often a silent issue that has real negative impact on victims’ health and lifestyle. Ruiz-Gonzalez et al 4 noted that women that attended healthcare settings would often present with advanced stages of infection, illness or pregnancy. Barriers such as a lack of identification documents to provide the bare minimum of information to healthcare providers and victims would be accompanied by the trafficker or an appointed individual who would control the conversation and answer questions on behalf of the victim frequently occur.…”

“…Barriers such as a lack of identification documents to provide the bare minimum of information to healthcare providers and victims would be accompanied by the trafficker or an appointed individual who would control the conversation and answer questions on behalf of the victim frequently occur. Ruiz-Gonzalez et al 4 noted this and recognised that staff need to have specific training to recognise and respond to the individual needs of victims. They also note there needs to be clear protocols for midwives and healthcare professionals to follow.…”

“…Ruiz-Gonzalez et al 4 recognised that human trafficking impacts on users and providers of healthcare. Healthcare providers needed specific guidance and tools to enable them to identify and support victims of trafficking 3 .…”