Human trafficking is one of the most serious violations of human rights in the world today, yet it remains largely hidden from view. Increasingly recognised as a public health concern rather than solely a matter for law enforcement, it affects people of all backgrounds and demographics. Rehabilitation professionals, with their specialist skills in assessment, documentation and patient observation, are often uniquely positioned to identify individuals who may be experiencing trafficking and to respond in ways that can make a real difference.
The Human Trafficking Awareness course for Physiotherapists on Physiopedia Plus (Plus) gives rehabilitation professionals the knowledge and tools to respond confidently when they encounter this in practice. It is led by physiotherapist Diana Blaney. Diana graduated from the University of Ottawa and has worked across a range of clinical settings in Canada, including remote rehabilitation. Her particular passion for working with newcomers, refugees and people affected by pelvic pain and trauma brings a grounded, compassionate perspective to this important topic.
The course takes a thoughtful, multi-format approach to address all the requirements for Human Trafficking Awareness training for healthcare professionals. Participants begin with a reading on Human Trafficking Definitions and Legal Considerations, covering essential terminology and the legal context practitioners need before engaging with the course content. Diana then leads a video presentation exploring how to identify and care for people who have been trafficked. The course concludes with a comprehensive reading on Human Trafficking Awareness for Rehabilitation Professionals, bringing together the clinical and practical dimensions of the topic.
“I learned the red flags for human trafficking, which will help me better detect those who are being trafficked; I can then make the proper referrals needed for the victim. I learned how to properly interact with those who are being trafficked, such as how to make them comfortable to communicate with me.”
This format has resonated strongly with participants, who highlight the case studies, practical tools and Diana’s evident commitment to the subject as standout elements of the learning experience. The course covers a broad range of clinically relevant content, including the types and definitions of human trafficking, how to recognise red flags, trauma-informed care principles, safe and effective communication with people who have been trafficked, relevant United States guidelines and federal law, and how to connect individuals with multidisciplinary referral networks.
“This course helped me understand trauma informed care more and think about my words and behaviours and how they might impact a patient.”
Human trafficking is a global concern, and this course holds value for rehabilitation professionals worldwide who may encounter trafficked persons in their clinical practice, regardless of their setting or country.
For those wishing to build further on the knowledge gained, Plus also offers other related courses to prepare rehabilitation professionals to work with individuals who have experienced trauma:
- Body Awareness in Trauma Survivors – Diana Blaney
- Creative and Caring Interventions for Children Affected by Trauma – Diana Blaney
- Integrative Approaches for Pelvic Pain in Trauma Recovery – Diana Blaney
- An Overview of Trauma-Informed Care – Sue Piché
- The Impact of Trauma on Mental and Physical Health – Andrea Sturm
- Considerations and Practical Tools for Working with Survivors of Sexual Violence and Trafficking
Human trafficking may be a hidden crime, but rehabilitation professionals who are equipped with the right knowledge and skills are far better placed to bring it to light. This course offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to identifying and supporting some of the most vulnerable people encountered in clinical practice.
For rehabilitation professionals in Texas, this course meets the re-licensure requirements. It is approved for 2.2 Continuing Competence Units (CCUs) by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for Texas-licensed physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants.
Practitioners can access the course through a 1-month subscription or receive 30% off a full Plus membership using the discount code TEXASHTA30, which also provides access to all other required continuing education courses.
Using the “Accreditation” tab on the course page, you can check your country or state course approval for anywhere in the world.
This article was written by one of our course instructors...
Tarina van der Stockt
PT (BphysT), DPT
Education Director Physiopedia Plus