Field-Generated Innovations: Increasing Options and Expanding Access for Human Trafficking Victims in Healthcare Advocacy

Advocating Opportunity’s (AO) pilot Nurse Advocate Program, is an evidenced-based, interdisciplinary approach to increasing service options and expanding access by integrating best practices from other disciplines including nursing, public health. The program uses a multi-theory model framework derived from nursing and trauma-responsive models of care: Dorthea Orem’s Self-Care Deficit Nursing Theory (SCDNT) and the AO Resilience Model to increase options and expand access for victims of crime, specifically victims of human trafficking who experience a high rate of polyvictimization. The program aims to increase access to trauma-informed and responsive health services for victims of human trafficking who experienced barriers in receiving appropriate, trauma-responsive, physical and mental health care. Victims of human trafficking are comprised of diverse minority groups who also  experience disproportionate health disparities. Utilizing a health equitable approach through public health and prevention methods used for addressing disabling illnesses in people who have experienced human trafficking, AO’s Nurse Advocate Program will address a significant gap in healthcare outcomes, safety, quality of life, and the ability to recover from trauma. This program is based on our combined experiences working in the field for over 20 years and the need is based on empirical and evidence-based studies combined with our data and feedback from clients. The program is designed to address health disparities that impede clients’ ability to have the quality of life they want after experiencing trauma. Based on what we learn and further develop in years one and two in Toledo and Northwest Ohio, we plan to replicate the program in our service areas in Central Ohio and Middle Tennessee in year three, making it sustainable and replicable for other victims services providers.