Survivors of human trafficking are getting physical and psychological help through a unique partnership between police and a London hospital.
St. Joseph’s Health Care's Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program (RSADVTP) teamed up with London police in March to become the first point of care for women, men, and children who have been trafficked. The program, one of the first in Ontario, provides initial examination, testing, and medical and psychological care for victims rescued by police.
“It is very important work,” said Dr. Susan McNair, program medical director. “These are individuals who are very vulnerable and have unique and very high needs, not only medical and psychological but also with regards to safety, housing, legal advocacy, and the most basic necessities.”
The team of specialized nurses, doctors, and social workers works around the clock seven days a week. It offers a variety of victim services including counseling, physical exams, HIV prevention medication, testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, forensic evidence collection, and safety planning.
According to Detective Mike Hay, who leads the London police Human Trafficking Unit, London has been identified as a hub for human trafficking.
A six-month investigation into human trafficking in October of last year led to sweeping arrests and put a spotlight on the problem in London. Following the bust, Hay's specialized unit was created with the main goal of rescuing victims, some of whom have been as young as 14 years old.
“The partnership with Dr. McNair and St. Joseph’s has been fantastic,” said Hay. “Having a resource like the Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Program as the first point of care has made it very easy for victims of human trafficking in London to have immediate access to services, whether that’s counseling, testing for sexually transmitted disease, medical care, or simply a shower.”
As a way of helping those who may be reluctant to go to the police station, an interview room for officers to speak to victims has also been set up within St. Joseph's hospital.
While established in London, the program also serves Oxford, Elgin, Huron-Perth, and Middlesex counties.
One of the stumbling blocks discovered throughout the programs eight month run is arranging medical and psychological follow-ups for victims once they have been relocated to other communities. As such, program officials are calling for a national strategy and clinical practice guidelines of care of human trafficking survivors.