Date of Conferral

2-11-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Teaonna Watson

Abstract

Human trafficking is an abhorrent human rights violation, and victims experience a myriad of health disturbances while being exploited. Victims often seek emergency medical care, but research consistently shows that emergency medical personnel (EMP) are largely unprepared to screen, identify, and respond to them. However, there has been no research exploring their preparedness to screen, identify, and respond to victims of human trafficking, the barriers and challenges to identification of human trafficking victims, and training needs to improve screening, identification, and response to human trafficking victims in North Dakota. This study employed a generic qualitative approach grounded in constructivism. The research questions focused on EMP perceptions of their preparedness to screen, identify, and respond to victims; potential challenges to identification; and training needs to improve screening, identification, and response to victims. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 11 employees working in an emergency department in North Dakota. Using thematic analysis, the purpose was to understand North Dakota EMPs’ perceptions of human trafficking. The findings of this study are consistent with the current literature: more education and training are needed. Future research should focus on different medical populations who may encounter victims in their daily practice. The study’s findings present an immense opportunity to inform social change. They can be used by the North Dakota Human Trafficking Task Force to aid them in prioritizing outreach efforts and training of medical personnel. Further, the findings can inform legislation in North Dakota and, potentially, across the country.

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