01/11/2026
Why do we screen for human trafficking at Soundview?
The Data is clear; human trafficking is happening in our communities. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, New York State had 570 identified trafficking cases in 2024, involving 1,437 victims just in that year alone. (humantraffickinghotline.org)
Trafficking affects people of all gender and ages, however young women and girls are disproportionately impacted, especially in situations of s*x trafficking (humantraffickinghotline.org)
Pregnancy and Trafficking - Research shows that many people trafficked for s*xual exploitation become pregnant while still being exploited. In one study, about 29% of trafficked women reported at least one pregnancy while trafficked, and over 40% reported having an abortion during that time. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) This highlights why screening in pregnancy related care settings is critical.
Forced Abortion exists in trafficking contexts. Research shows that forced or coerced abortions as part of the control traffickers exert on victims. It is vital clinicians are trained to recognize and utilize screenings. (icmec.org)
Trafficking can look different in every case. For those who visit Soundview Pregnancy, it may be one of the only safe chances a young woman has to be asked the right questions and share her need for urgent care. (suffolkcountyny.gov) That is why we include trafficking screening in our pregnancy care to protect every person we serve, support trauma informed care, and ensure survivors can access help.
