She recalls a young female patient for whom she cared for in the emergency department. People who are victimized by traffickers often interact with healthcare professionals frequently while they are being trafficked. Laurie became aware of just how vulnerable these victims are in the emergency department.

If only tracking down sex traffickers was that scientific. Not only providing comfort, but collecting the precious forensic evidence that could lead to a conviction of the perpetrator. That is a nurse who is specially trained to guide a victim post-sexual assault. In addition to her RN license, she is certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.

Laurie has worked as a forensic nurse practitioner for over 24 years. Before a family knows it, their young son or daughter is gone. Sadly, some people are trafficked in their own homes, by their family members, Many times, organizers plant mules in high schools or junior high schools who are paid to recruit victims. For example, nail salons, truck stops, especially those long busy interstate freeways, and roadside parks. Other frequent sites of organization of sex trafficking occur in the most innocuous places. That was shocking to Laura, who believed herself to be a football fan and supporter. Hard to believe, but one of the busiest sex trafficking days during the year is the NFL Superbowl. The commercial sexual exploitation of minors, even young children is a major public health issue (Goldberg & Moore, 2018). Any large metroplex with professional sports teams or major Interstate freeways is vulnerable. These sprawling Texas cities aren’t special. Every year in America over 200,000 young women and men are victims of human trafficking, many of those sex trafficking (Polaris Project, 2022).

Flying Solo by Jeanette Vaughan