Doctors not trained to spot sex trafficking victims

Most healthcare providers aren't trained to recognize victims of sex trafficking - and many don't realize that's a problem, according to a new study. "The majority of medical providers will come across victims or patients who are at risk for victimization at some point," said Angela Rabbitt of Children's Hospital of Wisconsin's Child Advocacy and Protection Services in Milwaukee. OB/GYNs, emergency room personnel, doctors working with adolescents or with child abuse victims, and those working with urban and underserved populations are most likely to encounter victims of sex trafficking. That's because reproductive healthcare problems like pregnancy, abortions, and infection, and also violence related injuries are more common in these individuals.